What are the best practices for conducting team effectiveness assessments remotely?

Team Effectiveness assessment can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the team and identify areas for improvement. Campbell-Hallam™Team Development Survey® (Pearson Performance Solutions) assessment is designed to help teams identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies for improvement. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Online Assessment (The Table Group, Inc.)assessment is based on the book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni and is designed to help teams identify areas where they may be struggling and develop strategies for improvement. Some examples of these tools include attitudinal surveys, specific assessments, structured interviews, ability tests, and focus groups.

Determine the purpose of the assessment and what you hope to achieve from it. This help choose the right tool or method that aligns with goals. There are different types of assessments, such as attitudinal surveys, specific assessments, structured interviews, ability tests, and focus groups. Choose the type of assessment that best suits team's needs and goals. Consider the accessibility of the tool or method. Ensure that team easily access and participate in the assessment remotely. Choose a tool or method that has been validated and proven to be reliable. This ensure that results of the assessment are accurate and can be used to make informed decisions. Choose a tool or method that is within your budget and provides value for money.

To assess your remote team effectiveness, there must be assessment criteria following their delivery in their specific roles. Communicate their responsibilities and your expectations clearly while you attach KPI to their delivery. Ensure the KPI is measurable.

Hiring is the first step of building a remote team. To effectively assess candidates remotely for key performance indicators, make sure you pay sufficient attention to the essential soft skills for the role, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management. During initial screening and info chats, use behavioral assessments and situational judgment tests to gauge these skills initially, e.g. Interactive role-playing exercises are good to observe candidates in action. During the structured interview process, employ behavioral and situational interview questions to delve into past experiences and hypothetical scenarios. Probing questions are the key because devils are in the details!

Involvement help to ensure that everyone has a voice and that the assessment is fair and accurate. Communicate the purpose and goals of the assessment to the team and explain how their input will be used. Encourage team members to provide feedback and share their thoughts and opinions. Provide opportunities for team members to ask questions and provide suggestions for improvement. Ensure that the assessment is conducted in a safe and non-threatening environment where team feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. By involving team members in the process of conducting team effectiveness assessments remotely, you can help to ensure that the assessment is fair, accurate, and effective in identifying areas for improvement.

It's helpful to root into Tuckman's 'stages of group development' (ie - forming, norming, storming, performing) - using a model to help diagnose what your team needs based on where you are as a group helps tailor the right interventions to unlock team effectiveness.

To lead any project or revamping strategies remotely, prioritizing clear expectations, participation, feedback, and follow-up is essential. Sharing agendas, welcoming inputs, and encouraging participation are musts. These efforts undoubtedly yield success, resulting in a refined and effective strategy.