The performance and happiness potential of a healthy team is limitless. Even when a task appears impossible to complete, a healthy team will collaboratively and enthusiastically complete the task above expectations. A dysfunctional team will not. With people carrying heavier workloads and greater pressure to multi-task, can you afford to be on dysfunctional team that does not get the job done or sacrifices high-quality deliverables and respect for team members?

You can be on a variety of teams throughout the day. Your entire organization is defined as a team, as well as your department, project committee, board of directors, volunteer group, circle of friends, even your family. The following questions will help you realize if your teams are reaching their performance and happiness potential:

1. Does our team have defined expectations and roles?
2. Do we hold team members accountable with rewards and consequences?
3. Do we value different personalities, work styles and opinions?
4. Are we able to set boundaries, ask questions and resolve conflicts?
5. When something goes wrong, do we look to blame or seek solutions?
6. Do we empower or control our team members with decision making and problem solving?
7. Do we treat our team members with the same respect and service as our external customers?

While it is easier to get along with people who are similar to you, teams with different members are most effective because more talents and skills are utilized. In addition, a variety of viewpoints are covered. If you want to eliminate the "us versus them" negative attitude, make the time to get your team members on the same page. It's time to get healthy! Help your teams reach their performance and happiness potential.