The V + 3R Framework
The V + 3R framework is a useful framework outlining the key contributing factors to unit cohesion.
V + 3R
Vision + Roles, Rules and Relationships
= Effective Teams
A Clear Vision
Team members must know and feel committed to the team’s vision and the way to achieve it.
With an understanding of the team’s vision, members can better understand why certain results/standards are required and how they can play their part to achieve the vision. Commitment to the vision compels them to be more responsible for the outcome of the team’s performance. Ultimately, the success of the team depends on how each member adopts the team’s vision as his own.
Well-Defined Roles
Members of the team must have a clear understanding of their individual roles – they must know where they fit in and be clear about their areas of responsibility. Everyone in the team must also share common expectations about each other’s roles. This is essential because confusion or disagreement over roles and responsibilities are a major source of stress and frustration in any team effort.
Knowing their own roles, as well as each other’s, will allow members to better coordinate their actions and provide appropriate back-up and support.
Clear Rules
The team must have clear rules and standard procedures governing work standards and methods. Some of these include decision-making processes, conduct of meetings, conflict-resolution, standards of personal behavior, etc.
Teams can solve problems and troubleshoot more quickly and accurately if all members have a common understanding of how things are supposed to work. When correct procedures are identified and followed, members can execute plans smoothly and efficiently, with a minimum of conflict or error.
Good Interpersonal / Working Relationships
Within a team, members should know the kind of working relationship they wish to maintain with each other, and what kind of qualities it is built on (such as openness, mutual support, trust, discretion and so on). As they build good working relationships, members will also learn to be personally committed to each other’s interests as well as the interests of the team. In such an atmosphere, confidences can be shared, misunderstandings minimized, personal difficulties worked through and risks undertaken.