TESS 360 (Team Effectiveness Survey System)

Description

With most companies moving away from traditional hierarchical structures to a more team-based system, creating and maintaining an effective team has become essential. Team building involves strengthening and motivating members to reach their highest potential, individually and as a group. A strong team works together towards a common goal, resolves issues, generates ideas, and strives to succeed…all as a team.

A team is more than just a slapdash gathering of people. It’s a group that is able to work well together despite personality differences, and willing to dedicate the time and effort necessary to strengthen the team bond. A whole is only as strong as its individual parts, however, so each member must possess the traits and skills needed to work with others, or at least take the steps necessary to obtain them.

The goal of the TESS is to provide a snapshot of the current “health status” of the team; to highlight their strengths and identify areas of improvement. However, the results for this test should not be viewed so much as what’s wrong with a team but rather, what could be done to make the team better. Developing a productive team is not something that happens overnight. In fact, what makes a group effective is the ability and willingness to consistently review their procedures and performance and make changes when and if necessary. Companies can spend thousands of dollars sending their teams on retreats to improve team performance and morale, but just like building a house,
team building activities are only effective if based on an already strong foundation.

Purpose: TESS 360 is designed to assess a team’s performance as a whole. The entire group is asked to provide feedback on the manner in which projects are completed, how the team interacts, and whether there is a strong sense of team spirit. This 360 will also bring to light any issues that
are hindering the group from reaching their full potential.

Vitals 
No. of questions: 88
Question type: Rating scale
Estimated completion time: 15-20 minutes per rater
Shorter versions of assessment available: N/A
Recommended age level: 18+
Qualification Level: Class A
Compliance: APA standards
Group Comparisons: Available

Features
This 360 feedback system consists of a rating survey that allows the members of a team to rate
the team’s performance in various areas. Are you looking to assess more than one team? The 360
system can generate an aggregated report that combines and quantifies the performance of all
teams collectively.

Single team report Includes:
● Introduction
● Overall team performance score
● Breakdown of the team’s performance in 19
areas

Team comparison report Includes:
● Introduction
● An overall aggregated performance score of
all the different teams
● Breakdown of the teams’ performance in 19
areas
● Rater comments (optional)
● Advice
● Rater comments (optional)
● Advice

Factors and Scales:
TESS 360 provides an overall performance rating, in addition to ratings for 3 overarching factors, broken down into 19 competencies:
● Work Structure: Assesses the manner in which tasks are completed and how the team
approaches work. Includes Accountability, Empowerment, Adaptability, Goal-orientation,
Goal Clarity, Time Management Skills, Networking Skills, Project Management, and
Mentorship/Leadership.
● Social Structure: Assesses group interaction and conduct. Includes Communication Skills,
Conflict-Resolution Skills, Role Clarity, Problem-Solving Skills, Managerial Support, and
Openness to Feedback.
● Group Cohesion: Overview of group unity; assesses the bond between team members, or
lack thereof. Includes Cooperation, Compatibility, Motivation, and Goal Alignment.