Wonder why your team is dysfunctional? Here is a diagnostic checklist to make sure that you are not contributing to your team’s ill health.

Are you neglecting communication with your team? Communication is an ongoing process, not a single past event. So, you’ll want to keep at it. Let your team know why they’re doing what they are doing, so they own the process, and improve performance.

Are you operating in the negative mode? Negative thinking can come from working in a reactive environment, such as in IT, where much time is spent reacting to problems and situations such as decreasing network downtime or putting out fires. To be a good leader you need to recognize the positive, such as recognizing and highlighting increased uptime. Recognize your people for the progress they make.

Are you treating everyone the same way? Team does not mean one size fits all. It may be true in some cases. However, if someone has a performance issue, don’t impose corrective measures on everyone. Do not be afraid to confront that one failing team member in private. Making everyone feel guilty is counterproductive.

Are you aware of the needs and concerns of your team? Some team leaders fail to talk on behalf of their team and represent their own interests. They do not take into consideration the thinking of the team. They want to be seen as the one who “gets things done.” So they refuse to tell their bosses that something can’t be done. Never over-promise on your team’s behalf.

Are you in the habit of never admitting you’re wrong or never taking responsibility? Being a manager of a team involves risk. If your team fails, you should and will be the one held accountable. Even if one individual team member messed it up, your job was to manage the overall performance, and you didn’t do it. So draw a deep breath and take responsibility for it. And if your own actions caused a kink in a project, admit it. Not owning up damages your credibility far more than simply saying, “I was wrong.”

Good team managers are made, not born. Be proactive in making yourself the best manager around. Seek the welfare of your team, for in its welfare is your welfare.