Monday, November 12, 2012

Tip #417: 5 Simple Tips For Building Better Teams


Companies with strong teams enjoy higher productivity rates, employee satisfaction and lower employee turnover rates.  Additionally, efficient teams can cut your operating costs and minimize stress in the workplace. When team members communicate more frequently, the chance of miscommunication is also greatly reduced. 


At every level of management, employees need to focus on innovative ways to increase profitability and drive results - and help resolve issues that might seem otherwise insurmountable.

You can help grow a stronger and more effective team by using these simple team-building tips:

Tip #1: Tell Everyone Your Expectations - When you introduce a team-building activity, structure or exercise to your team, make sure the team members understand how it works as well as your expectation for the activity. Be clear about the rules of the exercise and the goal the team members should achieve.

Tip #2: Encourage Everyone's Commitment - Team members should consider the exercise relevant to the success of their individual careers as well as the overall group and company. Monitor the activity (even if you are participating alongside them) to ensure that each team member feels included and valued. Be sure to compliment positive examples of teamwork as you see them happen.

Tip #3: Focus On Team Empowerment - Organization can communicate your goals and forward-thinking strategies more effectively to your employees. Encourage your team to share ideas in a discussion-based environment in weekly meetings. Once ideas are discussed, assign concrete responsibilities and due dates to team members. Keep the tone of these meetings solutions-based.

Tip #4: Talk With Your Teams Often - Solicit frequent feedback from your team. Simply having an 'open-door policy' isn't enough-you should have a specific way for employees to provide direct and candid feedback. Conversely, communicate clearly when evaluating your employees. This fosters an environment of positive communication.

Tip #5: Execute Your Plans Efficiently - Before your team-building commences, think about the structure of your organization. If your team is large, you may need to organize using a central leadership team. If this is the case, each mini-team needs equal time, treatment and resources. Monitor them to ensure that no one person is taking on too much responsibility or feels overwhelmed.

Executive Summary: When individuals work together and focus on team structure, the organization can work more efficiently, saving money and increasing productivity. Investing time in team-building is usually worth the effort. Lightly supervise team interaction and tweak processes and leadership strategies when necessary to encourage positive attitudes and results. 

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