What are the processes that distinguish between a typical team and a highly effective team?

A typical team and a highly effective team can be distinguished by several key processes and characteristics:

1. **Communication**: In a highly effective team, communication is open, honest, and clear. Team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of judgment. This contrasts with a typical team, where communication may be more guarded or hierarchical.

2. **Goal Alignment**: Highly effective teams have well-defined, shared goals that align with the organization's objectives. Each member understands how their role contributes to these goals. In a typical team, goals may be less clear, or individual objectives might not align with the team's purpose.

3. **Roles and Responsibilities**: In a highly effective team, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, ensuring that each member knows what is expected of them. In contrast, a typical team might have overlapping roles or unclear responsibilities, leading to confusion and inefficiency.

4. **Decision-Making**: Highly effective teams have a structured process for making decisions that involve gathering input from all members and reaching a consensus. In a typical team, decision-making might be dominated by a few individuals or made without thorough discussion.

5. **Conflict Resolution**: Conflict is inevitable in any team, but highly effective teams have established methods for addressing and resolving conflicts constructively. In a typical team, conflicts may be avoided, ignored, or handled in a way that leaves residual tension.

6. **Trust and Respect**: Members of highly effective teams trust one another and respect each other's expertise and contributions. This trust is built over time through consistent, positive interactions. In a typical team, trust may be less developed, which can hinder collaboration and performance.

7. **Performance Monitoring**: Highly effective teams regularly monitor their performance against goals and are proactive in making adjustments as needed. They embrace feedback and use it to improve. A typical team might lack such mechanisms or be less responsive to feedback.

8. **Continuous Improvement**: A hallmark of highly effective teams is their commitment to continuous improvement. They are always looking for ways to work smarter, learn from their experiences, and enhance their skills. In contrast, a typical team may be more complacent or resistant to change.

9. **Supportive Leadership**: In highly effective teams, leaders support their members by providing guidance, resources, and encouragement. They facilitate the team's success rather than micromanage. In a typical team, leadership may be more directive or less engaged with team dynamics.

10. **Adaptability**: Highly effective teams are adaptable and can pivot quickly in response to changing circumstances. They are resilient and can handle setbacks effectively. A typical team might struggle more with change and be slower to adapt.

By focusing on these processes, teams can move from being typical to highly effective, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a more positive team environment.