Make sure that you give team "rules" so that it can respond quickly to changing situations.

6. Teams can survive only if there is open & honest communication at all times.

Everyone on team must be able to offer input, ideas, and criticisms. Nothing must be held back for fear of reprisals.

7. Teams that learn most will lead most.

Your teams must stay aware of latest information, techniques, and technology. They must enjoy learning and should have ample opportunity to do so.

8. Teams should focus on their own efforts, not competition's.

It's o.k. to stay in touch with what competition is doing, but your team's focus should always be on what it needs to do for it's success.

9. For your team to make a difference, it must do things differently.

If you do it "same old way" your team will stay exactly where it's always been.

10. A team approach may not be best approach.

It's great to want to create a team environment in your business, but a team approach is always appropriate or necessary.

7. The content expert may NOT be person to teach class. Any trainer can tell you, just knowing information of a course doesn't mean you can teach it. Find someone who knows information and can present it in an interesting and entertaining way. If there's nobody like that, hire a professional trainer or speaker to come in and be "MC" of your training and to help liven up event.

8. Create an environment of "academic freedom." Let students know that purpose of training is to give them information they need to do their jobs. Let them know that it's okay if they ask questions, challenge (within boundaries) instructors and material, don't grasp everything right. What's important is that everyone in class gets opportunity to get information.

9. Provide them with all information already written down. Make it easy for students to focus on information being given, not on trying to take notes. Have all of information written down and give it to them. Some students will always take notes no matter what you do, rest will appreciate being able to sit back, relax, and learn!

10. Follow up... but not too soon. Get feedback from students on all aspects of training. Ask what they liked and didn't like. But don't make it last activity of training itself. Wait a day or two and send them a questionnaire. Make it possible for them to submit their comments completely anonymously. Some students just can't bring themselves to saying something negative if they know that you know who said it. Take all pressure off of them, but get their input.