n such a competitive arena as payment processing sales, it helps to be part of a winning team. Teams increase productivity. Teams improve an organization's customer service level. By bringing professionals together as one group, their collective strengths, abilities and experience can be leveraged successfully. A team broadens any company's skill base and specialization. A team fosters greater innovation.

Despite good intentions, not all teams become superstars. There are many reasons why teams fail, starting with the selection process - matching players to appropriate positions. Strategic planning in the formation stage is critical. And even if a solid team is brought together, it won't make it to the playoffs without a strong captain who possesses effective management and leadership skills.

Another reason for failure is lack of collaboration within the team. It could result from poor communication, hidden agendas or ineffective conflict resolution. If you're in the process of forming a sales team, joining a sales team or revamping an existing one, consider the following as you hand out uniforms:

• Style of Working. Style can range from early risers to midnight-oil burners. It could be multitasking versus completing a project one step at a time. It can involve a quiet environment as opposed to lots of hustle and bustle. Whatever the style, pairing like with like translates to stylish sales.
• Preferences at Work. Find out which activities your potential teammates enjoy and which they dislike. Does one member enjoy setting up the weekly team meeting? Does another like to organize the supply room? If people like what they do, they'll do it well.
• Work Values. It's all about ethics, making a connection between personal and professional values. A team doesn't stand a chance without basic honesty, integrity, respect and trust.
• Abilities. Some people have amazing technological aptitude. Some can put together a marketing plan in minutes. Others are fabulous numbers-crunchers. It's all about putting the right technician with the right task.
• Strengths. It could be courage. It could be diplomacy. It could be intuitiveness. It could be superior communication skills. Whatever the attribute, find each teammate's personal strength and implement it. A chain is only as strong as each of its links.