Unveiling The VA Team Effectiveness Model

Psych in Business

In this episode of the Psych in Business podcast, host, Dr. Ernest Wayde delves into the VA Team Effectiveness Model, a framework developed by the Veterans Health Administration, which employs over 400,000 individuals.

The VA model consists of two interconnected ladders, each representing key dimensions of team behavior. The relationship ladder emphasizes engagement and includes steps such as civility, shared respect, psychological safety, and cohesion. On the other side, the functioning ladder centers around team effectiveness, incorporating steps like common purpose, role clarity, strategic communication, and review and improvement.

Dr. Wayde discusses the significance of these steps in fostering a positive team environment, aligning team goals with the larger mission of the organization, and promoting open communication and strategic collaboration. He highlights the interdependence of psychological safety, communication, and overall team effectiveness.

Additionally, Dr. Wayde introduces the VA Team Assessment, a valuable tool based on the model, designed to help teams evaluate their performance on these key dimensions. The assessment serves as a starting point for team discussions, fostering a shared understanding of strengths, challenges, and perspectives among team members.

Listeners gain insights into practical applications of the VA model, with Dr. Wayde sharing his experiences using the team assessment for both executive and non-executive teams. The episode emphasizes the importance of ongoing review and improvement to enhance team effectiveness over time.

As the episode concludes, Dr. Wayde encourages listeners to explore the wealth of information provided by the VA model and invites them to join future discussions on building and sustaining effective teams in the dynamic world of business and organizations.

You can visit his business website at: https://www.waydeconsulting.com/