Anna Maria Richards
Teamwork or teamwork skills is a term that is in circulation quite often. It has become an integral part of almost every business. Many people talk about building a team and working as a team. However, only a few understand developing a collaborative and effective team. Moreover, it is indispensable to work as a team to achieve efficient performance, maximum output and retain motivated and happy team members.
Given below are the top 10 tips for building a successful team:
Leadership
We often think of teams that are highly democratic. Every team member contributes to ensuring the completion of a project. However, the whole foundation may come down in the absence of a clearly defined leader. As a result, a team leader is essential for ensuring success. Although leadership and management are often used interchangeably, there is a huge difference. A leader is supposed to have qualities that include communication, motivation, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration.
Roles And Responsibilities
When the responsibilities and roles are clearly defined, repeated work can be significantly reduced. When a team performs well, every team member is clear about who is doing what. However, it is equally important to share responsibilities and help others when a team member is absent or is unable to finish something on time.
Team Relationship
A leader is supposed to know the team well. Person has to be aware of their strengths, weaknesses and what motivates them. Such information is invaluable to leaders since it allows matching expertise to pinpoint tasks that will ultimately increase productivity, satisfaction and motivation. A valued employee is always happy, and such an attitude resonates.
Relationship Among Team Members
It is hard to predict what works and what does not until a team starts working. However, interpersonal relationships are a crucial factor for success. Therefore, the way people work together, listen and communicate must be evaluated.
There might be conflicts and conflicting opinions, and it is considered healthy since it reveals an element of passion related to work and role. The term team building may provoke a hostile reaction. However, such activities often work wonders and help to strengthen the bond within a team.
Purpose And Goals
Unless there is a common goal, no team can survive. Therefore, what the team is supposed to deliver must be clearly defined. The best way is to map out the necessary actions by going backward from the set deadline. Then, involve the team as often as possible, so everybody is clear about the purpose.
Communication, Communication, Communication
Poor communication is a killer. A team that communicates effectively can complete projects efficiently compared to those where there is a lack of proper communication. When team communication is effective enough, the whole is always more than the sum of the individual parts.
Collective Decision Making
Decision making must be based on open dialogue. There has to be an open environment wherein people should be able to offer ideas and solutions to various issues. In case of important or big decisions, the entire team must be included.
Celebrating Success
Whatever has been achieved must be acknowledged. A quick ‘well done’ can work wonders. A leader is not supposed to miss any wins. On the contrary, it inspires a team to even greater successes and strengthens leadership.
Constant Process Reviewing
The progress of the team must be reviewed regularly. Roadblocks must be thoroughly evaluated. Constructive feedback is crucial, and conflicts must be addressed on time. The feedback should be based on new ideas and positive thinking.
Facilitated Coaching
At times, third party input helps. It is essential to understand whether the team is working cohesively or not. In case team members are locking horns and unable to move forward, it is time to consider a coaching program.
Whether face-to-face or virtual team building, team members become positive and accept one another if done correctly. As a result, the quality of work and profits soar. In addition, good teamwork leads to an efficient working environment, and employees get to learn from one another.
