Teams are usually helpful in situations when the work cannot be accomplished in a single person or when the task involves working in conjunction. But, a well-functioning team needs planning and thinking. A lot of times, an entire group is just assembled with a directive, “marching orders,” and then instructed, “Now go make us proud!”
To build a successful team, clear outcomes, shared goals, common goals, and correct capabilities are essential to succeed. Here are ten ways to help you build a successful team.
1. Set a common, agreed-upon (team) purpose.
There should be a common direction that the team is working towards, and it should have a strong focus on the task, which translates into everyone being aware of how to achieve this final goal.
2. Are measurable results.
Execution of a team is typically more efficient if you are able to assess the output of the team. The standards of excellence must be established to ensure that everyone knows what is expected and that continuous measurements (milestones) toward the goal should be made a part of the process.
3. Promote interdependency.
Everyone should be aware of what they are contributing and how they fit into what is considered to be the “big picture”. Beware of personal (individual) rivalry in the service of the team’s goals and goals.
4. Assist the team in understanding and recognizing differences.
The ability to work in teams is a unique talent, and each person has their own unique talents, values, communications needs, weaknesses and strengths in the collective. Making a strong, cohesive team is dependent on each member first being aware of their personal “style” and is in a position to appreciate and recognize other “styles” of the others.
5. Make sure your team members possess the necessary capabilities.
Technical (hard) abilities along with interpersonal, problem-solving (soft) abilities are equally crucial to the success of the team. Don’t sacrifice one in favour of the other. Find out what the requirements are and then provide the proper education to meet those requirements.
6. Training and follow-up with the training.
The long-term retention of newly acquired skills in training requires constant training and guidance from coaches and supervisors in the immediate vicinity. A constant inquiry into how recently educated team members are performing and providing feedback can help them keep practising what they’ve learned.
7. Create the lines of communications.
It is important to understand how to talk to one another and also understand the “flow” of the communication.
8. Always emphasize the purpose of the team.
It might seem simple It may seem like a simple task, but regularly making sure team members are aware of “what” along with”what” and “why” is crucial to ensure that the mission and vision remain current and the team is focused on the goal. Review the team’s mission frequently and also the desired result frequently.
9. Prepare detailed agendas for meetings of the team.
Meetings may not be the most efficient or effective way to use the time of your team; however if a meeting is needed, ensure it’s organized in a way that time is effectively used. Outcome agendas are extremely efficient. They are more than just an agenda of things that need discussion; they will outline exactly what will happen after the meeting and during the time following.
10. Model yourself.
People respond to their actions, not the statements of their leadership. If you are looking for effective teamwork, be a role model in the first place. Author and performance advisor, Darcy Hitchcock, puts the idea in this manner: “employees are professional ‘boss monitors’. This means that what managers say isn’t worth much until their actions reflect what they are saying.” The act of leading is influence over others in a way that is challenging when you have a set of guidelines that you set for yourself and another one for everyone other.
