Group assessments are an important method to measure the quality of work produced by teams. The process of ongoing analysis prevents problems from developing in your team and increases productivity. The quality of work produced by teams must be measured by different groups of people, such as members of the team, other teams, clients and management.

Assessments for teams should include not only information on what areas need improvement, but concrete examples on ways to implement these changes. Team assessments should be an ongoing part of the work cycle. Successful teams share some basic traits.

1. A team building survey shows that all team members are working toward a common goal.

2. Members of an effective team make their plans before acting.

3. Successful team members involve all members of the team in both work and decision making.

4. A high performing team communicates effectively with other team members and those people outside the team.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use an outside group for team performance consulting

Outside consultants are not hampered by interoffice politics or too much background data on employees. They are a good choice for assessments for teams for this reason. They can objectively assess the work and dynamics of the team and offer suggestions for improvement.

I recommend: Glenn Parker provides team assessments with paper and in-person assessment tools. Workplace Transformations has a complete set of services from initial development of teams to continued follow up that ensures the team maintains productivity.

Use software programs for a team building assessment

DISC team building is one software product that many companies use, but there are others. A software program for team development and assessment is a good choice when funds do not allow for an outside consultant.

I recommend: Both Grapevine Evaluations and Halogen Software provide team employee performance assessment software that is versatile and fully functional. Extended DISC also provides a well respected team assessment product that is available as a software package, as a paper option or online.

Consider team members feelings about their coworkers when assessing teams

Communication and inclusion are two of the most important factors when determining if a team will work up to its potential. While your primary concern may be productivity, in the long term the team members' happiness will have a great impact on the strength of the team.

I recommend: The Booth Company provides a team building assessment tool that measures how team members work together and what skills need improvement. The National School Board Foundation provides a checklist and survey for team members that gauges happiness, communication and the general work climate on the team.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Group assessments should be conducted discretely, so that the members of the team do not feel singled out or attacked.