Organizations strive to improve productivity and results. Though there are some great teams out there, many fail to produce the desired results because of the barriers they face within the group.

So here are some of the frequent barriers you should be aware of.

Lack of direction

Every team needs a direction to move towards like sports teams striving to win the World Series or the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, not all businesses’ have much direction in reaching their ultimate goal. They usually work on their assumptions based on their own opinions and guesses.

So for a group to perform well, they need a clear direction. In addition, the outcomes need to be specific and measurable. The absence of direction is the first barrier to great teamwork.

Lack of competition or productive conflict

For an organization to move forward some conflict is good. In fact, lack of conflict may suggest that there is a lack of creativity or initiative. It also signifies that the team is in a comfort zone, and perhaps apathetic.

If there is no competition or conflicts within the group, it works as a barrier as it does not bring forth the competitive spirit of all the members. Of course, this conflict should be healthy, and even fun.  Competitiveness among team members keeps people on their toes and interactive with others.

No leader

The greatest barrier to great teamwork is the absence of a leader. Every group needs a leader.  This may not be the manager but someone who emerges within the group and can rally the team and get them moving in the same direction. The leader gains the trust of the other members and is able to lead the team through their personal power.  Not having a strong leader, whether the manager or someone who moves into the role of the team leader is a great barrier to successful teamwork.

Importance to one’s personal interests

Once the members of the group start to think of themselves and not the focus on the organization’s mission productivity is likely to suffer. It is only when the team members start thinking of their team first, and everything else later do they work effectively.

No clear roles and responsibilities to team members

Members should be assigned tasks according to their capacities and not randomly.  Assess the capabilities of each member and give them work that lines up with those skills, and provides them an avenue for growth and development.  Make sure each person knows their role, their responsibility, and is accountable to the rest of the team.

Addressing the barriers to great teamwork will lead to improved productivity and happier members.

Part of creating a great team is understanding what makes a great team.