3. Role clarity

The next component to becoming part of a better functioning team is the set of clear role definitions and expectations. The role of "team member" supersedes individual professional roles. While professional roles brought to the team give the team its potential strength, equally, if not more, important for team development is that individuals feel equally valued as members of the team. Additionally, team members should know who is doing what and what other team members expect of them.

When a team achieves role clarity, team members:

• feel that accomplishments of the team are placed above those of individuals,
• understand the roles and responsibilities of all other team members, and
• have a clear understanding of what other team members expect of them.

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