The term "team" is often used in healthcare to describe a work group. But what really makes a team? Three critical elements are involved in the development of a team: goal setting, establishing ground rules, and role clarification. Becoming a "team" will not, however, solve every performance problem or enhance all results. Effective teams can develop in settings where nurses are committed to a common purpose, everyone believes in the goal, roles are clearly defined, and trust is present.