Are you a real team?

I work with teams working sub-optimally and often find that many of the dynamics showing up in the group are rooted in the team not having a clear understanding of "Why" they are a team and their shared purpose.

A shared purpose is different from a common purpose.  A common purpose needs the group to work towards a set of common goals and targets but does not need the group to depend on one another to do so. 

A shared purpose, which is an underpinning of a real team, is the team’s raison d’etre.  It is why the team needs to be a real team rather than a working group.  A shared purpose depends on team members working collaboratively together, for the purpose cannot be fulfilled by members working in parallel. 

 Understanding the why and the team’s shared purpose provides cohesion and a sense of meaning. In so doing, it gives team members the required motivation and sustained energy to work through the ups and downs, and learn how to work together effectively.

Does your team need help finding out it’s Why?