1.05 Characteristics of
Effective Teams
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Common Purpose
The goals are meaningful to each
team member.
There is clear unity of team function.
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Common Purpose
Every person on the health care team must
understand the role of other team members.
 This understanding:
– helps clarify individual responsibility
– establishes goals and expectations
– provides a picture of the patient’s total care

1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Free Communication
Act of exchanging information
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Free Communication
Informal, comfortable atmosphere
 Free to express feelings and ideas
 Everyone participates
 Disagreement is viewed as good opportunity for
improvement
 Attend patient conferences
– listen
– express opinions
 Aware of cultural differences

1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Trust
Reliability, dependability
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Trust
Team members rely on each other,
understanding their own strengths and
weaknesses.
 Members are dependable, performing their
duties to the best of their ability
 All members must function within legal
boundaries

1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Collaboration
Working together for a
common goal
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Collaboration

Team members will:
– have positive attitude and ability to laugh at
themselves
– be friendly and cooperative with others
– be open minded and willing to compromise
– support and encourage others
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Consensus Decisions
General agreement and the process of
getting there.
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Consensus Decisions
Look for the best win-win outcome for the
team.
 Make decisions at a point where there is
general agreement.
 Address conflict and work through it to achieve
the desired result.

1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Complementary Skills
Good skills that build and unite a
team.
 Skills required to function as a unit.

1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Complementary Skills
Every team member has a role and a specific
contribution to make to the team.
 Health team members are professionals with
different levels of education, ideas,
backgrounds, and interests.
 Each member adds to make the whole bigger
than the sum of its parts.

1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Commitment
A pledge or a promise
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Commitment


Teams work toward desired outcome.
– directed
– motivated
– persistent
Effective teams are the result of hard work, patience,
practice and the focus on quality health care for the
patient.
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork
Characteristics of Effective Teams
Trust
Collaboration
Commitment
1.05 Understand concepts of teamwork