Studies show that commitment is very important for teams. A 2013 study demonstrated that high-performing organisations have higher levels of commitment than low-performing organisations. Sixty-seven per cent of people surveyed in high-performing organisations reported having a sense of shared commitment and responsibility, as opposed to the 43% of those surveyed in low-performing organisations who reported the same.
Teams that have high levels of shared commitment:
- Create clarity around direction and priorities;
- Align the entire team around a common objective;
- Learn from mistakes;
- Take advantage of opportunities before competitors do; and
- Change direction quickly based on changing needs.
Teams that struggle with commitment:
- Maintain ambiguity in the team about direction and priorities;
- Miss opportunities due to excessive analysis;
- Inspire lack of confidence and fear of failure;
- Revisit the same problems again and again; and
- Foster an environment of blaming others.
Some ways in which leaders can increase shared commitment within a team:
- Provide clear and understandable team goals.
- Choose people who work well with others and identify their strengths.
- Encourage an open flow of communication. Be transparent.
- Truly empower team members to do their jobs.
- Make time for social get-togethers.
- Encourage a culture of ideas sharing.
- Build a culture of ownership and accountability.
- Celebrate small and big wins.
References:
Ayers, K. (2017). The importance of commitment: The third behaviour of a cohesive team. Retrieved from https://www.integro.com.au/commitment-five-behaviors-of-a-cohesive-team/
Cohen, A. (2008). Top 5 ways to build team commitment. Retrieved from https://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/top-5-ways-build-team-commitment
Goldsmith, M. (2008). How to increase employee commitment. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2008/01/how-to-increase-employee-commi
Interaction Associates & Human Capital Institute. (2013). Building trust 2013: Workforce trends defining high performance. Retrieved from http://www.hci.org/files/field_content_file/IA%20-%20June%202013%20-%20Building%20Trust%202013%20-%20Workforce%20Trends%20Defining%20High%20Performance.pdf
Loehr, A. (2014). Does your team have commitment issues? Retrieved from https://www.anneloehr.com/2017/06/01/work-team-commitment-issues/