The only resources you need to begin establishing a team identity is time, energy, and intention. Remember, it all starts with a conversation. If you want to establish a team identity, you must allow your team to openly discuss the 4 C’s of a Team Identity: clarity, commitment, contribution, and concerns.
4 C’s of Team Identity:
1. Clarity –
- Clarify the team’s mission and vision. If you do not have a team mission and vision, have your team collaborate and create them.
- For specific projects, clarify the goals, timelines, etc. that the team needs to function.
- Also, clarify each team member’s level of authority in relation to individual projects.
2. Commitment –
- Identify the commitment level of your team members.
- Encourage commitment by showing your own. Tell your team why it (or the project) is important to you and to the team as a whole.
- Have each team member answer these questions:
- Why is this team (or project) important to you?
- What do you hope to gain as a member of this team?
3. Contribution –
- Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your team.
- Have your team members each answer these questions:
- What specific skills, knowledge, and/or expertise do you bring to this team (or project)?
- What is your role on this team (or project)?
- Rather than immediately delegating tasks, let your team suggest assignments based on their potential contributions.
4. Concerns –
- Make sure you allow your team members to voice their concerns,
- comments, and/or questions.
- This is the time to ask the following questions:
- Are you concerned about working on the team, the current project, or the team itself?
What could we, as a team, improve on?