Teamwork – we all know it’s important, but what is it? How can we achieve it? And why should all employers promote effective teamwork?
When considering teamwork, it’s as much about establishing how to ensure your team works effectively together, but also about the results of such collaborative working. After all, effective teamwork will help to improve overall business operations but also productivity and increase motivation.
With that in mind, here are some strategies from the experts at Zoom Recruitment to help promote effective teamwork:
Establish clear goals
The first step towards creating effective teamwork is to establish clear goals and objectives – that they can each work towards individually, but also as a team. And remember, when setting goals, think SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. The more clearly these goals are defined, the better the output of your team will be.
Encourage open communication
Promote an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas, as well as concerns and feedback. Better still – and this is likely to be more challenging – encourage your employees to accept and receive feedback from their colleagues professionally. Consider introducing regular team meetings and mind-mapping sessions to facilitate open communication.
Clarify roles and responsibilities early on
From the earliest opportunity, clearly define each of the team member’s roles and responsibilities. This will help to prevent confusion and potential conflict.
Encourage team members to discuss their strengths, so you can place people in roles that suit their energy and passion, which will ultimately drive great performance.
Build trust
Underpinning effective teamwork is trust. Encourage transparency, honesty and reliability among team members.
Provide ongoing support
Your team needs to know and feel that they are supported. Ensure all staff have the necessary resources, including the tools and training required to perform their tasks efficiently.
Meet outside the workplace
Meetings outside of the office allow team members to build rapport and grow closer as a team – which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on how they work as a team at work. Meetings outside of the office allow team members to interact on a different level, not just as colleague to colleague and in a more relaxed, informal environment.
Remember, meeting outside of the workplace doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Consider a group lunch or even a short walk as a group.
Manage conflicts effectively
Conflicts may occur – and while that’s OK, you must be able to manage them professionally. Address any conflicts and disagreements quickly and constructively. If you don’t do this, you might see conflicts escalate, which could have an impact on the wider team and working environment.
Celebrate success
Be sure to acknowledge and celebrate milestones, achievements and successes of the team. This reinforces a sense of accomplishment and will motivate your team to continue working together collaboratively.
Are you recruiting? Effective teamwork attracts talents
Companies with effective teams and leadership can attract more talent and improve public image. Ultimately, effective teamwork will help to promote a positive working environment, which will not only support staff retention but ensure your business is an attractive place to work for potential employees.
If you are recruiting, contact Zoom Recruitment. Our highly skilled team of recruitment professionals will support you throughout every step of the hiring process while helping to ensure your organisation is as attractive as possible to prospective talent.
