As we launch into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we, as individuals and as part of a team, show up in the room and at work. Whether you are part of an executive leadership team or a team of contributors driving critical projects forward, one truth remains universal: teamwork is the cornerstone of success. But what does it take to build and sustain a truly effective team?
The recent Harvard Business Review article, Teamwork at the Top reminds us that a team’s health, productivity, and accountability are collective responsibilities. Yet, this accountability begins with individuals doing the work—engaging in reflection, collaboration, and often, courageous conversations.
“It’s not just who’s in the room—it’s how they behave together.”
Let’s explore what it takes to support a thriving team dynamic and how groundbreaking tools like the BRITE Team Assessment can help you get there.
Why Teamwork Matters: A Shared Responsibility
Healthy, high-performing teams don’t happen by accident. They require intentional effort and shared responsibility. Key questions for teams to consider include:
How do we hold ourselves accountable to each other?
Are we consistently reflecting on how we can work better together?
Do we have the courage to engage in honest, constructive conversations when needed?
These questions are as relevant for executive teams as they are for any other team. Teamwork at the Top highlights that when leadership teams operate cohesively, they set a powerful example for the rest of the organisation. Conversely, when dysfunction exists at the top, its ripple effects can undermine organisational culture and performance. We all know this.
When Teams Thrive vs. When Teams Struggle
When teams are functioning well, the results are undeniable. Consider an executive team that aligns on shared goals and communicates openly. They promote a culture of trust, empowering their people to innovate and take ownership. Challenges are met with collective problem-solving, and the team’s resilience inspires confidence and positive role modelling across the organisation. This ripple effect leads to stronger engagement, better decision-making, and measurable success.
Contrast this with a dysfunctional team where unresolved tensions and unclear roles persist. For example, imagine a leadership team where members avoid conflict, leading to passive-aggressive behaviour and siloed efforts. Without alignment or trust, decision-making stalls, creativity is reduced, and critical opportunities are missed. The dysfunction filters down through the organisation, creating disengagement and diminishing overall performance. Left unaddressed, these issues can erode even the most promising strategies, as well as impact the emotional and psychological health of the team members.
Introducing BRITE: A Breakthrough in Team Assessment
One of the most exciting tools to emerge in team development is the BRITE Team Assessment, developed by The Leadership Circle. BRITE stands for Broad-based Roots Influencing Team Effectiveness, and it evaluates teams against five critical elements of team dynamics:
Sharing Mindsets – Assessing how well the fundamental beliefs of the team are aligned.
Building the Right Structure – Determining how well the team is organised and the clarity of roles and responsibilities.
Creating Safety and Cohesion – Evaluating the team’s environment, including trust levels and interconnectedness.
Processing Information – Establishing the effectiveness of interpersonal communication among team members.
Producing Results – Revealing the skills and abilities of the team that lead directly to business outcomes.
The BRITE assessment provides teams with a structured way to assess their dynamics, identify strengths, and address gaps. This powerful tool encourages meaningful and actionable conversations, whether as part of a workshop or group coaching sessions. Teams can gain numerous benefits and growth, including:
Alignment of shared beliefs and mindsets.
Clarity in structure, roles, and responsibilities.
A psychologically safe and cohesive team environment.
Enhanced interpersonal communication.
Improved skills and focus on achieving tangible results.
BRITE Sample Report: https://leadershipcircle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Sample-BRITE-Report.pdf
Reflection: How Do You Want to Show Up This Year?
As we dive into the year ahead, it’s worth asking:
Are you showing up as your best self for your team?
Are you contributing to a culture of accountability, trust, and collaboration?
How can you and your team leverage data and assessments to identify and address blind spots?
Working with countless teams over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of doing the work. When teams lean into reflection and courageous conversations, the results are not just incremental but exponential—enhanced relationships, improved performance, and, most importantly, a renewed sense of purpose.
Make the Commitment
Great teamwork doesn’t just happen. It requires intentionality, vulnerability, and commitment from every member. As we step into this new year, I invite you to make a commitment to your team—to show up, do the work, and be part of a collective effort to thrive together.
If you’re ready to take your team’s dynamics to the next level or want to learn more about the BRITE Team Assessment, let’s have a conversation. I’d love to share insights from my experience and help your team unlock its full potential.
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