Team building has been popular with business for the last several decades. But does it really work? According to some new studies, the answer is "yes."

An 2009 analysis of data from 103 studies conducted between 1950 and 2007 provide the strongest scientific evidence to date that team building can have measurable, positive effects on team performance.

Two factors were key in great team building;  clarifying the goals of the group and making individual roles clear.  A team focused on the same goal with each member knowing what to do makes all the difference when it comes to productivity.

The next time you have a team project, plan a kick off meeting to specifically address these two issues.  You will be amazed what your team can accomplish.