How to develop teamwork in 5 steps?
There is a well-known phrase that says that "in sport as in life, teamwork is essential." Business life does not escape this definition and in a certain way demands even more significantly that working between different areas or members of the same team is in accordance with common goals and shared visions.
I do not believe that any person disagrees with this sentence. The challenge arises here in "how to achieve it?". If you are going through this situation, if you are a team leader and need to achieve the joint work of your group, here are 5 keys to implement step by step:
Step number 1 - A mission and joint goals
It is said that "teamwork" implies putting above the individual interests, the collective interests. But how can you do it if as a member of a team you have no idea what the collective interest is? Sharing the mission information and objectives or goals that the team must pursue, helps each individual to commit to the group and thus be able to work together. Also, well-established and communicated collective goals are a good resource to help a team member get back on track when she has strayed. A simple question "How does this relate to achieving the shared goal?" It can help you realize that your behavior is keeping you from getting the expected results.
Step number 2 - Define the team rules (how about doing it as a team?)
Every group needs its rules of coexistence: working hours, methodology, communications, contingency for certain situations, etc. How about you motivate your team to determine these standards together? Some of them will be established by you as a leader, but I assure you that each individual will feel more their "belonging" to the group and will be able to participate in a better "cohesion" if they are able to collaborate in the creation of their own rules that will later be followed. After all, the team is responsible for achieving the results, not just the leader. So it is a good idea for everyone to collaborate in establishing the best way to achieve them.
Step number 3 - Generate meetings with a certain frequency
Communication and monitoring are essential tools that you have as a leader to promote teamwork. Planning advance meetings regularly will also allow you to have a certain space for communication, and avoid queries "on demand". If any of your team members has suggestions or wants to raise something, they may wait for the periodic meeting to do so and do not ask for a timely conversation. This organizes activities and optimizes time not only for you as a leader, but also for your collaborators. But for this, the periodicity of the meeting must be established and the certainty that it will occur and that it will create an opening space to discuss and give rise to each topic.
Step number 4 - Maintain a constant feedback level
Your team needs to know that it is on the right track, or if it has strayed, it needs to know it in time to be able to resume the necessary course. Don't make the mistake of just giving feedback when something doesn't work. Think of one of these blood pressure devices or a thermometer. Not only do they tell you when something is wrong, but they offer you a constant measurement (when you use it, of course). You don't have to be constantly repeating a "let's go" but take advantage of regular meetings to mention it if there is nothing to indicate that a change is required.
Step number 5 - Celebrate the team's achievements
The celebrations are very important to declare that the results are being as expected and to support the morale of the team. Remember that they do not have to be very long or very expensive. A dinner, a special snack, a breakfast, an "after office", a photo of the team in a brochure with a phrase of encouragement and congratulations on the achievement, some kind of additional flexibility, a thank you email, some kind of exhibition with other equipment or with higher controls, etc. Creativity is essential and that's where your personal brand as a leader will make a difference.
Well, here are 5 steps to start developing teamwork today. Don't forget to give it your personal touch as a leader. Your role, in addition to safeguarding collective interests and results, is also to lead by example, guide and inspire your team.
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