Team Building Tips

The following statements relate to the culture of communication in individual departments, business units and project teams as well as throughout an entire organization. Taken together, they provide a general indication of how well an organization fosters timely, accurate, consistent and thorough communication. Additionally, this assessment instrument offers a good feel for how focused an organization is on goal setting and achievement and on encouraging teamwork among all employees.

A "yes" to all of the statements indicates a culture of communication that is effective, immediate and focused. The processes, infrastructure, content and practice of communication are integrated and become a wealth-building asset of the organization.

The fewer statements you can answer "yes" to indicates a culture in which communication is weak, diffused and ineffective such that it actually becomes a liability toward the immediate viability of the organization's mission and, indeed, it's very survival. The fewer "yeses" you can provide signifies a culture of communication that emphasizes withholding information in order to gain leverage over others rather than sharing information to facilitate goal accomplishment for mutual benefit.

What you answer "no" to becomes a goal to set to improve your organization's communication system. This assessment will help you find the weaknesses in communication that, if not immediately addressed, will continue to erode the organization's capacity to fulfill its reason for existence. Targeting those weaknesses with specific plans and concerted efforts to turn them around will go a long way toward making your organization healthier and wealthier.

1. I am recognized by my supervisor/team leader for my contribution to the department/team.

2. Whenever possible, employees' opinions and ideas are incorporated into department decisions.

3. My supervisor/team leader is open and honest with me.

4. l receive regular coaching and counseling to help me improve my performance.

5. Departments regularly cooperate to better serve customers.

6. My department/organization emphasizes continuous improvement.

7. The Management/Ownership has shared its vision for this organization with everyone who works here.

8. I understand and support this organization's work and relationship values.

9. The compensation plan is fair and rewards job performance.

10. Department policies let me do what it takes to effectively address customer needs for an outstanding experience with
our organization.

11. My department provides me with the resources I need to do my job well.

12. Employees feel good about working in this organization.

13. I feel comfortable expressing my opinions and ideas to my supervisor/team leader.

14. I feel comfortable expressing my opinions and ideas to other employees.

15. My organization trusts its employees.

16. My supervisor/team leader tells me immediately about changes the department and/or management make.

17. My department/organization provides an environment that encourages me to do my best.

18. My department/organization treats customers and employees honestly and with integrity.

19. Management anticipates change and plans for it.

20. Employees who go the extra mile for customers and co-workers are acknowledged and/or rewarded.

21. If I do my job well, I have as much opportunity as anyone to be promoted.

22. Employees work together to satisfy customer needs.

23. Teamwork is actively encouraged and supported in my organization.

24. I have input on my department's decisions that affect me.

25. I know what is expected of me in my job.

26. I am informed by my supervisor/team leader in a timely manner when my work doesn't conform to expectations.

27. My supervisor/team leader supports my role in this department.

28. At least once a month, my supervisor/team leader actively solicits from me my ideas on what the organization could do to improve CUSTOMER satisfaction.

29. At least once a month, my supervisor/team leader actively solicits from me my ideas on what the organization could do to improve EMPLOYEE satisfaction.

30. Management facilitates regular employee feedback regarding improvements to work-related tasks, job responsibilities and working conditions.

Ken Wallace, M. Div., CSL has been in the organizational development field since 1973. He is a seasoned consultant, speaker and executive coach with extensive business experience in multiple industries who provides practical organizational direction and support for business leaders. A professional member of the National Speakers Association since 1989, he is also a member of the International Federation for Professional Speaking and holds the Certified Seminar Leader (CSL) professional designation awarded by the American Seminar Leaders Association. Ken is one of only eight certified Business Systems and Process Coaches worldwide for General Motors. His topics include ethics, leadership, change, communication & his unique Optimal Process Design® program. Tel:(800)235-5690 Claim your FREE Leadership Self-Evaluation Checklist and your FREE 5-Day Mini-Course on how to get off your mark and into the life of your dreams, "Get It Done By Tomorrow!" by visiting the [http://www.kenwallacecompany.com]Better Than Your Best website and sign up for our FREE Newsletter.