Strategic direction involves setting a clear path for the team that aligns with the organization's overarching goals. This includes defining the vision, mission, and long-term objectives. High performing teams excel in aligning their activities with these strategic goals, ensuring every action contributes to the broader organizational vision. Established teams consistently align their efforts with strategic goals, maintaining steady progress. Forming teams are in the process of understanding and aligning their activities with the strategic direction. Dysfunctional teams either lack processes for strategic direction or have ineffective processes that are not utilized, leading to misalignment and confusion.

Objectives and deliverables are specific goals and outputs that guide a team's efforts. This process involves setting clear, measurable objectives and identifying the deliverables needed to achieve them. High performing teams have well-defined objectives and deliverables, leading to measurable progress and outstanding outcomes. Established teams consistently set and achieve clear objectives and deliverables, ensuring consistent performance. Forming teams are in the process of setting objectives and identifying deliverables to guide their efforts. Dysfunctional teams either lack processes for setting objectives and deliverables or have ineffective processes that are not used, resulting in unclear goals and poor performance.

Team protocols are the established procedures and norms that facilitate effective collaboration and communication within the team. This includes meeting schedules, communication channels, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution methods. High performing teams have established protocols that enhance team efficiency and performance. Established teams follow protocols that support smooth collaboration and communication. Forming teams are developing and implementing protocols to facilitate collaboration and communication. Dysfunctional teams either lack protocols or have ineffective protocols that are not followed, leading to poor collaboration and communication.

Roles and accountabilities involve defining the responsibilities and expectations for each team member. This ensures that everyone knows their specific duties and is accountable for their performance. High performing teams have well-defined roles that ensure accountability and responsibility, with team members fully committed to achieving objectives. Established teams have clear roles and accountabilities, ensuring clarity and responsibility in achieving goals. Forming teams are in the process of defining roles and establishing accountabilities to guide their efforts. Dysfunctional teams either lack defined roles and accountabilities or have ineffective processes that are not followed, resulting in confusion and lack of responsibility.

Relationships and interfaces refer to the interactions and connections within the team and with external stakeholders. This includes building trust, fostering collaboration, and maintaining effective communication channels. High performing teams excel in building strong relationships and maintaining effective interfaces, driving exceptional performance. Established teams maintain solid relationships and interfaces that support smooth collaboration and coordination. Forming teams are building relationships and developing interfaces to enhance teamwork and coordination. Dysfunctional teams have weak relationships and interfaces, leading to ineffective communication and poor collaboration.