Refining Teamwork

Teamwork and collaboration are key to success in any business. The business leadership that struggles to create a collaborative team is bound to see a definite abatement in the business. It requires leadership to bring together people with good communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills to work together to achieve a common goal. The collective effort of the individuals in the team contributes towards the goal achievement effectively and efficiently. Below are some cues that I feel can improve the teamwork and collaboration

Open Communication

Open communication leads to a team of trusting and engaged employees, who are aware of how their work makes an impact on the business. Fewer boundaries give team members the freedom they need to come up with great ideas and put forth their ideas. Team members feel more empowered and trust builds between the management and the team. However, there can be misunderstanding and concerns, and an open environment encourages the team members to speak up their concerns and challenges freely. One should work towards addressing these misunderstandings and concerns as quickly as possible and accurately.

Transparency

Be honest with your team. Communicating important information with the team builds trust and creates a positive impact on the team members. Share your concerns and challenges with the team. It makes the team members feel valued and thus increasing the unity and trust of the team. Also, transparency reduce workplace politics as the information flows from top to bottom.

Clear Role Definition

It is also very important to define roles clearly among the team members. When the roles are clearly defined, the team members are aware of what is expected from them. They work according to their defined role to achieve the target and they are very well aware that they will be evaluated for that role. However, it does not mean that the team members cannot step outside their roles. Anyone who wants to step out of his role should be encouraged as it may encourage others to follow as well, thus elevating the efficiency of the team.

Appreciation

Appreciation is one of the key factors that have a direct effect on teamwork. When you appreciate the team, say thank you, let the team know how they have helped and what difference they made, the team is motivated. The team members happily walk the extra mile to achieve the goal if required. Appreciation brings a smile to the team members, it changes their mood thus making them more engaged and increasing their effectiveness. Also recognizing the team member for an achievement makes the team member feel valued, happy, and boosts loyalty.

Feedback

Feedback is another proven tool to create high performing teams. Not only give feedback to the team, but also receive the feedback from the team. Always document the feedback and act upon the feedback.

Equal Opportunities

A team displays teamwork and collaboration when management exhibits equal growth opportunities to all without bias. The teams grow and become more effective if regular challenges are presented to them and doing new things is encouraged. If the team is already doing well, new opportunities will further gell the team and the team will strive for excellence. On the contrary, if the team is not collaborating well, the new challenges and opportunities will trigger the collaboration paving the way for a great team. Since the above factors increase the teamwork and collaboration, it becomes very important to reiterate these factors time and again to build a high performing team.