Obstacle #5 Lack of Clarity on Team Roles and/or the Purpose and Vision of the Team (Teamwork Tuesday)

Two weeks ago I asked the question on several LinkedIn Groups “What is so difficult about teamwork?” I received well over 200 responses. My intention was to rank each of them and then figure out ways we can create better teamwork.

Today we will discuss obstacle number Five – Lack of clarity on team roles and/or the purpose and vision of the team.

1. Lack of a competent leader (27)
2. Lack of goals and goal alignment (26)
3. Individuals focused on themselves and not the team (21)
4. Lack of understanding of team members (20)
5. Lack of clarity on team roles, and/or the purpose and vision of the team (15)
6. Lack of focus on team rewards and appreciation (12)
7. Lack of spending time together as a team (9)
8. Poor communication (8)
9. Lack of trust (7)
10. Lack of accountability (6)

Lack of clarity on team roles, and/or the purpose and vision of the team is an often common barrier to team effectiveness. When teams encounter this barrier they are less likely to have much passion, let alone commitment to the team.

It seems like one of the easiest of the barriers to overcome on teams. Just communicate what the roles, vision and purpose are, right? What has your experience been with this barrier? Why is it so easy to do, but rarely clear?

To see all of our discussions around each of the obastacles up to this point go to https://www.teamworkandleadership.com/teamwork/

Also, follow our teamwork discussions and writings on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/2232816/
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/secondgleader
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=123580326937

Mike Rogers