Since teams typically can accomplish larger projects than
individuals working on their own, knowing how to build an effective
team is vital to achieving a company’s goals. If you are a
manager or an entrepreneur, team building skills are a
must. Even if you’re not yet in a leadership position,
understanding the basics of building teamwork will make you more
effective in your role.
What’s the best way to motivate and enable a group of people
to reach a goal? WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA (WCF)
offers these solutions to effective team building:
Set Specific Goals and Objectives. A shared vision
of the goals and objectives of a project is essential for
successful teamwork. Determine what outcome you want, the
consequences of accomplishing or not accomplishing the goal, how
you will measure the outcome and the deadline for
completion.
Consider The Resources Available. Consider what
resources you have to work with. What human help is
available? Do your prospective team members have the skills
required to meet the goal? How may members’ strengths and
weaknesses fit in with those of other potential team
members? Will your prospects feel the goal is
important? Will the team have the equipment to complete the
job successfully? Is there a budget?
Delegate to and Empower the Team. In order to
motivate successfully, you must delegate the work to the
appropriate team members. Determine who is capable of
performing what tasks, so each can complete that tactic on his or
her own, building a sense of ownership. As a general rule, try
not to overlap authority for tasks. The best teams are those
where each team member feels he or she plays a critical role on the
team. Make sure members understand why they are on the team
and how they can use their skills to improve
performance. Also, feel free to share job skills and knowledge
with the team, which will encourage them to do the same.
Communicate Openly. Communicate the goals, objectives
you are seeking, how reaching the goal will benefit the company and
employees, the consequences of accomplishing or not accomplishing
the goal, how you will evaluate the team and the project
timing. Encourage team discussions to ensure that all members
clearly understand what they are working toward and who is
responsible for what task. Encourage honest and open
communication between team members and the team leader about the
goals. This will allow the group to share in the decision
making process.
Build Trust. In order for a team to be successful,
members must trust the other members of their team. Make each
member feel a part of the team and ensure that all members treat
everyone fairly and equally.
Encourage Active Participation. When members hide
behind their other team associates, it causes low team
morale. Hold each member to high standards, and discipline
those who are not doing their job. Also, encourage cooperation
of the individuals on the team rather than
competition. Collaboration is critical for a successful
team.
Review Team Progress and Ask for Feedback.
Request that your team report to you regularly on project progress
and any obstacles they may be encountering. Be careful not to
micromanage, as this will make your team resentful and may make
them nervous.
Reward or Train. Show your team that you recognize
their efforts and that you care. If the team reaches its
goals, offer a reward or praise team members in public. People
thrive on praise and it will further motivate them. If the
team does not reach its goal, let the members know in private and
consider offering further training.
Effective team building will increase productivity, create a
positive experience, encourage collaboration and increase your
management credibility. It allows each team member to use his
or her strengths in full, compensating for others’ weaknesses, and
creating an atmosphere that generates personal motivation allowing
them to do their best.
