There is no doubt that having a great team is essential to the success and scale of any franchise system or business. A great team can power productivity, morale, and profitability to the max. The challenge for business leaders is knowing how to create an environment and system that encourages their team to continually reach its full potential.   As a leader, are you encouraging, demonstrating, and leading your team with the right qualities? Would you consider the team you are leading to be great? Let's take a quick look at defining qualities of a team that's able to lead a business to scale.

A great team is cohesive and has a shared goal

A great team comes down to having ideal team members in the group. An ideal team member understands that it's not just about them, but rather the success of the whole.  In the leadership book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable“ Patrick Lencioni states  “Truth lies at the heart of a functioning, cohesive team. Without it, teamwork is all but impossible”

1. Each member puts forth their best effort to work towards a common goal. The team is cohesive.
2. Each member has their own set of unique attributes. With these attributes the ideal team member reminds everyone in the group that no matter how challenging a task may be, by combining these attributes the team can achieve any goal. 

Everyone on the team knows their role and responsibilities

Having a team that knows their roles and responsibilities is a must for a great team. When everyone understands what is expected of them, there is a greater capacity to achieve targets, as no time or energy is wasted debating tasks.

1. Roles are clearly defined. Each member can operate at their peak capacity while combining everyone's unique set of strengths. This will help propel your business forward with maximum efficiency.
2. Knowing one’s place in the team fosters strong relationships between members, leading to greater trust and collaboration. Knowing their strengths are being recognized and utilized results in increased job satisfaction and motivation!

The team communicates effectively with each other

A great team is a powerful force, and effective communication between members of the team plays an essential role in creating that power.  

1. Excellent communication is characterized by engaging in constructive conversation, helping to ensure that everyone's voice is being heard.
2. Great teams involve active listening and considerate interactions, allowing each person to share their thoughts and opinions respectfully. This encourages teamwork and collaboration in reaching shared goals. Having a team that communicates effectively is critical for your team to achieve your business goals.

The team members trust and respect each other

 Lencioni also states  "Trust is knowing that when a team member does push you, they're doing it because they care about the team.” Trust and respect are essential when it comes to a great team. Having a cohesive team that has members who trust and respect each other sets a strong foundation.

1. Building the ideal team requires having members who recognize the importance of mutual trust and respect for each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives.
2. The level of support, accountability and dedication each team member brings creates an environment where success is possible. Without this trust, it can be difficult to rely on each other to meet common goals. In the end, trusting and respecting your team equates to success.

The team members are all committed to continued success

A team is only as strong as the individuals within it, which makes having committed members essential to have a great team. It requires every person to be dedicated to the common goal of smooth workflow and ongoing success.

1. Members of a great team actively listen to each other's ideas, are willing to compromise, and put in the effort necessary to reach their objectives.
2. With the qualities listed above, teams will have many inspiring conversations that motivate one another in achieving success.

Leadership is the cornerstone of a team. Leading your team while demonstrating and implementing these intertwining qualities is the first step to building a great team. I get it, as a busy professional it is easy to miss the mark in any of these areas.  There are many books and operating systems that specialize in helping leaders build great teams. Better yet there are business consultants to help you implement them. By getting the help you need, you can transform your team into one that functions flawlessly and achieves amazing things together. Lencioni states “If you could get all the people in an organization rowing in the same direction, you could dominate any industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time.” After your team has been transformed into a top-notch squad, you'll be free to spend your energy and time leading and scaling up your business, or even taking some time for yourself.  Yes, you read that right, taking time for yourself! Now more than ever it is essential to ensure that your team has self-sustaining qualities so you can focus on driving your business and brand ahead of the competition.