When it comes to getting things done, it’s hard to beat the power of a team. Despite how much work you think you can do all on your own, teams help you accomplish things better and in a less time than you could ever do all by yourself.
However, not just any old team will do. You need to have a team that works well together, that’s sufficiently motivated and works efficiently and effectively.
To make the dream work through teamwork, these 7 secrets will get you there.
1. Let your team know you value collaboration.
As the old saying goes, there’s no “I” in team. Teams work best when people work together, in a collaborative and cooperative way. Recognize and reward team participants for working together in a collaborative way.
2. Encourage happiness.
When it comes to providing your workforce with stability and a sense of fulfillment, it’s the little things such as positive thinking and having a sense of humor that are far more important than you might think. Make sure team interactions are positive to boost team satisfaction and productivity.
3. Help employees learn from their failures.
None of us is perfect, and it may take several tries before an employee succeeds in a task or assignment — especially if it’s the first time they’ve done it. Berating your team for doing something wrong will only result in disengaged employees who will give less of themselves in the future. Instead, be positive and encourage your employees to learn from their failures, adjust their approach, and try again.
4. Encourage autonomy.
No one likes to be micromanaged by their boss. Instead of micromanaging your people, train and support them in their jobs, and gradually give them more responsibility and autonomy as they gain skills and confidence in their jobs. Work together with your people to set goals, then encourage them to find their own approaches to achieving them.
5. Remind your team members how much they’re valued.
Thanking employees and co-workers for the good work they do is one of the most effective ways to encourage them to engage in their jobs and enjoy the work they do. And the good news is a simple “thank you” doesn’t cost you anything but a few seconds of your time.
6. Foster a culture of inclusion and acceptance.
Each of us brings different life experiences to the table, and we all want to be respected and accepted by those we work with and for. Recruit and hire a diverse workforce, and ensure everyone is respected and valued for their knowledge and contributions to the team.
7. Remember: Time is money.
Do things for a purpose! This especially goes for meetings that have no purpose, and for assignments that have your employees twiddling their thumbs waiting for something to do. Wasting your employees’ time is virtually guaranteed to do little more than irritate them and make them feel less likely to work when there’s still so much to accomplish.
