Setting a goal is one thing; actually achieving that goal is another. 

The best way to go about achieving a desired goal is to establish three important points: the What, the How, and the Why.

1. The WHAT:  Have a clear understanding of the objective. You can’t achieve something if you don’t know what you’re trying to achieve.  
2. The HOW: Don’t waste your resources (time, money, energy, effort) on trying to achieve the What, by not considering the How.  Take time to formulate the best approach to meeting your goal.  Plan, organize, and continually evaluate the effectiveness of your efforts.  
3. The WHY: The more invested you are in your goal, the more likely you are to achieve it.  The meaning behind the goal will provide the motivation, as well as a sense of purpose. If you’re not committed to the goal, you won't work towards it.   

Know your What, How, and Why, and there is no limit to what you can achieve. 

"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."
 

-Vince Lombardi

Over the years, I’ve been invited to sit in and observe meetings of management teams.  I generally don’t have a speaking role; I’m just there to gain valuable background information about the organization and some of its strengths and challenges. 

Here are some behaviors I look for in the group setting that help determine the effectiveness of the meeting, as well as the team itself:

• Is there a clear understanding about why the topic is being discussed?

• What is the purpose of the discussion?

 Is it:

   Information sharing?

   Problem analysis?

   Problem solving?

   Assignment of blame?

   Excuse embracing?

   Delaying of action?

   Determining action steps to be taken?

• How effective is the leader of the meeting?

• Who is:

            • The Mediator?

            • The Summarizer?

            • Keeping the meeting on track/managing time?

            • Dominating the discussion?

            • Seeking the opinions of those who might be more reserved?

            • Introducing solutions?

            • Demonstrating possibility thinking?

            • Stating reasons why things can’t be done?

• To what extent is there a commitment to follow up or follow through?

• What unspoken tensions seem to be present?

Effective team communication is the building block of an effective-and succussful-organization.  How is your Team Talk?