Some work only yields to collective effort. A team is a small group of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable.

Teams differ from mere work groups by the depth of shared goals and mutual accountability. Effective teams clarify roles, establish norms, and develop trust through delivered commitments. Size matters: too large a team dilutes ownership; too small may lack necessary skills.

Leaders set direction and then create conditions for the team to manage much of its own work. Dysfunctional teams waste talent through politics, unclear goals, or unresolved conflict. Investing in team launch and periodic reset conversations pays ongoing dividends.

• Small group with complementary skills and shared purpose
• Holds itself mutually accountable for results
• Needs clear roles, norms, and trust
• Performs best when sized and supported appropriately