Team Effectiveness
Unlike traditional, one-size fits all "bean bag and balloon" teambuilding events that impart fleeting and vague notions of "teamwork" and "trust", WJM Associates offers a rigorously customized program designed to provide practical, long-term solutions to the specific business challenges faced by senior management teams.
The WJM Approach to Team Effectiveness
WJM sees team/organizational effectiveness as a process with clear and distinct phases.
Phase I: Preparation and Communication
WJM Consultants meet with the client to review the team effectiveness program and approach. Together, we come to an agreement and understanding of the overall methodology and identify the specific desired outcomes and appropriate time schedules.
Based on this agreement, WJM provides a complete project plan, as well as support for the communications to the senior team and possibly the entire organization. Ground rules on confidentiality and information sharing are established during this phase.
Phase II: Data Gathering
Through WJM-ManagementCentral online assessments and surveys, we present reports that measure the effectiveness of each team member's leadership, as well as the impact collectively on the productivity of the firm. Additionally a composite talent profile of the team can be generated that identifies each individual's "signature themes" as well as that of the overall team. The specific assessments employed and the sequence will depend on the results of our initial meeting. The following are possible components of a high-impact team effectiveness engagement:
- Team Effectiveness Survey - Measures and evaluates the effectiveness of the team based on 35 online questions which integrate the best research on high performing teams.
- Talent Profile - Each team member takes a 20-minute online talent profile test administered by the Gallup organization to determine his or her five "Signature Themes"-the innate talents unique to each member.
- Employee Engagement Survey - This survey measures the impact of the team on the overall engagement level and productivity of the firm. WJM-ManagementCentral can customize the survey (not to exceed 35 questions) to integrate research-based criteria with the unique needs of the client organization. The results establish a baseline measurement that highlights the impact the team has on its employees and how it shapes the firm's culture.
- Peer Review or Full 360 Leader Behavior Assessment - Each team member completes an online 360 questionnaire, which is calibrated to the Team Effectiveness Survey. The Peer Review shows individual members how they contribute to the team's overall effectiveness.
- Pre-Workshop Interviews - An interview with each team member is conducted by phone or in person to gain further insight into the Team Effectiveness Survey results, e.g., specific examples, and to review the results of each member's Peer Review/360 Feedback.
Phase III: Building A High Performance Team
Depending on the structure and timing of the project, there are typically one to three full day workshops that will incorporate the following objectives:
- WJM presents the results, elicits responses, and begins the work of improving the long-term effectiveness of the team, as measured by the progress achieved on each of the assessments conducted.
- Incorporated into the workshop(s) are also specific learning objectives and discussions based on those established during the pre-workshop and Phase I, as well as the results of the assessments. These may include some combination of: emotional intelligence competencies, building trust, conflict resolution, and/or effective meeting management techniques.
- The workshop(s) are designed to assist the team in deepening its understanding of current reality and shape a compelling purpose for the team that will transform and energize the culture. In the process of focusing on its mission and current performance, we establish a more trusting environment, put the tough issues on the table, and move past the impasses and conflicts that regularly inhibit optimal performance and results.
Phase IV: Measuring Progress
Our process succeeds or fails based on the accountability mechanism we build into all of our assessments. Mini-surveys/assessments are employed to measure progress on the three to five priority improvement goals for the team and its members, and the results are presented to the team at a half-day workshop. The workshop typically takes place three to six months after the initial team event.
We Bring Quality Control to Team Effectiveness
With over 100 highly experienced consultants and executive coaches around the world, WJM Associates provides maximum flexibility in addressing the specific challenges of your senior management teams. We provide objective performance measurements - and we guarantee our results.
|
