Have you ever noticed that working on a team can be so very easy one time and such a root canal the next? Most of us take for granted that a group of adults can work together to come up with a resolution that the majority of the team members can live with. But as we have all experienced it is not always easy. I did some research back into a Team Problem Solving course I took a few years ago to see what the experts advise you do to build a great team.

Here are 13 simple tasks to help build a successful team.

1. Develop a problem theme - Put together a clear concise statement explaining why a team is needed.
2. Find a sponsor - Find a champion or sponsor at the top of the organization who will support your goals.
3. Select a Team Leader - Have the team select a team leader.
4. State the Reason for Improvement - Statement of current problem with indicator to demonstrate the improvement required.
5. Discuss Critical Success Factors - What factors are critical to the success of the team?
6. Anticipate Costs and Risks - Identify any cost and risk implications.
7. Identify Scope - State what is included and excluded i.e. department or divisions.
8. Record Membership - State the members’ names, positions and departments.
9. Propose Deliverables - Team to adopt the goals and establish detailed deliverables.
10. Identify Constraints - Resources such as time and what is the end date for the team?
11. Set Milestone Durations - What are the steps to success and when will each of the milestones be accomplished?
12. Impact on business plan - Discuss what results will be impacted?
13. Sign-Off - When sponsor and leader feel the Terms of Reference have been met, sign-off can take place.

Once these steps are in place you have set your team up for success. Keep this list handy the next time you are asked to be a member of a team and enjoy your teamwork experience. There is a great deal of personal satisfaction from being a member of a successful team that does good work. Also, being a member of a successful team provides you with a great opportunity to learn from others and showcase your skill set, two very important ways to advance your career.