The first critical factor of a teamwork success is that all the team efforts are directed towards the same clear goals, the team goals. This relies heavily on excellent communication in the team and the harmony in member relationships.

The other critical factor is the diversity of skills and personalities. When people use their strengths in full, but can compensate for each other's weaknesses, then different personality types balance and complement each other.

Consider these additional elements and tips for building a high performance team:

• Establish Clear Goals.  Make sure that the team goals are totally clear and completely understood and accepted by each team member.
• Clearly Articulate Team Member Roles and Responsibilities.  Make sure there is complete clarity in terms who is responsible for what. Do your best to avoid overlaps of authority. For example, if there is a risk that two team members will be competing for control in certain area, try to divide that area into two distinct parts and give each more complete control in one of those parts, according to those individual's strengths and personal inclinations.
• Involve the Team in the Decision Making Process.  For issues that rely on team consensus and commitment, involve the whole team in the decision making process. For example, use group sessions with collective discussions of possible decision options or solution ideas. What you want to achieve here is that each team member feels his or her ownership in the final decision, solution, or idea. The more he or she feels this way, the more likely he or she is to agree with and commit to the decided line of action.
• Ensure the Free Flow of Information.  Make sure there are no blocked lines of communications and that you and your team members stay fully informed.  Distribute and review financial results, operating results, etc.
• Establish Trust.  Build trust with your team members by spending one-on-one time in an atmosphere of openness and honesty. Be loyal to your employees, if you expect the same.  Be a role-model for trust.
• Encourage Team Building Activities.  Allow your team members to build trust and openness between each other in team building activities and events. Give them some opportunities for extra social time with each other in an atmosphere that encourages open communication, e.g., group lunches, outside=of-work activities, sporting events, group dinners, etc.
• Resolve Interpersonal Issues Immediately.  Understand that interpersonal issues WILL arise in any team. Recognize those issues early and deal with them till full resolution. Encourage team members to work the issues out between themselves when possible.
• Facilitate Empowerment.  Never miss opportunities to empower your team members. Display your confidence in their capabilities, establish clear guidelines and encourage your team members to take full ownership for their areas of responsibility.
• Give Ongoing Positive Feedback.  Do not limit yourself to negative feedback. Whenever there is an opportunity, give positive feedback as well.  Say thank you or show appreciation for an individual team player's work whenever possible.

Though teamwork and team building can be challenging, the rewards of high team effectiveness are well worth it.