Using a team canvas can be instrumental in building team alignment and creating a positive team dynamic. In order to do this, however, you need to have a deep understanding of how to build a team canvas template and all of the different sections that make up this unique board. In this article, we will outline all of the different areas that make up a team canvas and outline each of their unique features.
People & Roles
Recruiting new team members is difficult if they are unfamiliar with your entire team. Outlining the responsibilities of each of the team members is therefore very important to give everyone a solid understanding of where they fit and what they bring. When learning how to build a team canvas, teams can utilize the expertise of various group members more effectively.
Common Goals
Typically, teams bring goal-oriented team members, and leaders provide clear direction on how to meet those goals. However, if a team canvas template is used, team members can diagram their shared goals in an effort to reach them more successfully.
All goals should be feasible, measurable, and time-oriented to specify what should be accomplished. Having common goals should also be internal so that organizational progress can be improved.
Individual Personal Goals
It is possible to add personal goals such as leadership development to the framework to create transparent motivations throughout the team. By doing so, others can help support them as they work towards achieving their individual goals, creating a positive team environment. It’s important that these personal goals are included when learning how to build a team canvas so that everyone has a good idea of how their motivations align with the team goals and how this dynamic can function successfully.
Purpose
When the team’s mission is combined with the company’s purpose, the outcome will more likely reflect what the company aims to achieve. It’s important to distinguish ‘goals’ from ‘purpose’ because both have very different scopes and can mean different things for teams. This is a good way to ensure that everything from personal motivations to significant business goals is oriented towards the same north star.
Core Values
Team values are critical to creating a cohesive team, especially ones aligned with a business’s values and mission. There are many values to discuss to ensure that team members thrive. These core values will be the secret sauce behind how a team functions and will ensure that, internally, everything is working well.
Strengths & Assets
As a team, it’s vital to identify and utilize the strengths that individual members bring, and the team possesses. While working together, utilize the strengths and assets to find the most effective way of reaching the desired outcome with the group dynamics. This will help people prioritize tasks that fit their strengths while others accomplish things that they feel more comfortable tackling.
Key Weaknesses & Development Areas
In most cases, groups will face obstacles during the formative period and beyond. Identifying these issues can help find the best ways to overcome them.
It is helpful to discuss weaknesses and areas that need improvement, whether personal or team-related goals. Over time, knowledge of group development will improve, helping these weaknesses lessen and turn to strengths.
Needs & Expectations
In a team canvas template, it is essential to note the individual’s needs and what they expect from each other. Noting an individual’s needs within a team can help promote a more productive work environment and gives people a sense of transparency and honesty with each other. This is important to facilitate positive communication within the team.
Rules & Activities
Lastly, the team canvas template allows the team members to establish clear boundaries that will help them work effectively. Every team needs boundaries, and constructing these boundaries in a positive environment is key to creating a positive workflow. Inviting participants to take part in regular meetings is also a part of ensuring that important information is discussed and heard by all of the participants.
This is a key component of the team canvas, as it explains each team member’s responsibilities. In this way, potential blind spots in the project can be reduced, and people will have solid guidelines to work within.
Conclusion
Once you know how to build a team canvas and how it is used, the next step is figuring out how to fill it out. As soon as you have created a team canvas template, you should try to fill it with sticky notes that reflect different ideas for each section.
In summary, the team canvas is a powerful tool that can be used by new teams to enhance their performance in group assignments or projects. It is simple to use and is applicable to a variety of situations, especially in product management.
