Business Connections for Winter 2019

6 WINTER 2019 The hard part, of course, is building that teammentality. Techniques for teambuilding have included everything from completing obstacle courses together to paintball competitions. Yet there remains some debate over whether these tactics translate into positive teamwork back at the office. So what really works? Here are five keys to building a better team: 1. Define the team. You may have several internal teams, each made up of representatives from different departments — or if your business is relatively small, your entire group may be working together on a special project. Either way, do your best to ensure that each team can provide a well-rounded viewpoint of the challenge at hand. 2. Set clear goals. Goals may be set by managers or by team leaders. Either way, it’s important to make sure that each team member understands why the group was formed and what the expectations are for the group as a whole. Be sure to encourage col- laboration, while giving ownership of specific tasks to individuals based on skill and interest. A collective vision that gives team mem- bers an opportunity to make a real difference in the workplace—from improved processes to expanding product and service lines—will help them stay motivated. Plus, it helps them know when they’ve succeeded. 3. Build trust. When team members can trust each other and their managers, they are more able to commit to meaningful change, and to supporting their colleagues in their efforts. Great teams allow each member to voice their opinions and ideas without fear of retribution. 4. Model the behavior you seek. Everything starts at the top. When leaders act professionally and with positive work habits, it’s easier for staff to follow suit. It’s critical that senior managers demonstrate qualities of good teamwork, including: • Helping others when they need support to complete a task • Listening to input without judgment or criticism • Commitment to meeting challenges and finding effective solutions 5. Reward great teamwork. Bonuses, gifts, and public acknowledgement should be given as much for positive teamwork as for individual performance. Showing appreciation encourages continued team efforts and makes employees feel valued. By creating a work environment with a positive team approach, you’ll have happier employees—and very likely, a healthier bottom line. Successful businesses recognize the importance of strong teamwork. When members of various departments work together cohesively to achieve common goals, both the company and its staff members will thrive. You can look forward to benefits including improved morale, an enhanced sense of shared purpose, and greater accountability. Strong Teams Make Strong Businesses Five tips for building a high-performance team