Does your job require you to develop effective teams? Do you feel a little uncomfortable with how to make this happen?
This article will provide strategies for building a highly effective team. Keep reading to also find tips about transforming established teams into dream teams.
Qualities Found in Effective Teams
Do you know what characteristics are often found among great teams? The following descriptions can create an outline for setting team development goals.
Inclusive, Judgement-Free Environment
If you want an inclusive, innovative team, they must feel empowered and confident. Environments that foster inflexible rules and rely on punitive discipline, eliminate creativity. Employees fear retribution and therefore, tend to “just get the job done.”
The corporate culture must make everyone feel valued and accepted. Make it a priority to ask the “boots on the ground” employees about how to improve processes. This fosters buy-in for participation in procedural changes.
A Focus on Transparency
Every team member should understand their role in the team process. It’s important to assign responsibilities to foster a feeling of empowerment. Schedule meetings to discuss the progress toward mutually agreed-upon goals.
This allows members to discover if they’re on target, behind, or ahead of milestones. The decision to make changes comes from within the team instead of top-down.
Making Goals and Expectations Clear
There is little that will create frustration and anger quicker among employees than being told they aren’t “doing it right”. Workers met with constant criticism and unclear expectations will give up.
Involve the team in goal development and strategies to reach the endpoint. At times, some aspects are set by the customer or regulatory entities. Yet, strong team leaders include the team members in developing plans of action.
Intentionally Showing Appreciation
The easiest path for managers is to focus on what needs correcting. As a team leader, make a conscious effort to show your gratitude and appreciation for employee’s accomplishments. Even small recognition’s go a long way to improve employee satisfaction.
Keeping Your Eye on the Prize
It is easy for team members and leaders to get bogged down in the details and lose sight of the big picture. Create a tool to visually show the team’s progress toward the ultimate goal. This helps individuals feel like they are making progress.
How to Build an Effective Team
The hiring process is critical to find people who will interact well and form a cohesive team. First, look for talent gaps in your organization. Once identified, focus on hiring to fill these needs.
Hire to create team diversity. Like-minded groups make it hard to develop new approaches. It’s best to have different perspectives.
Look for people who desire continual improvement. Does the applicant value feedback and learning new information?
Reducing Turn-Over
Employee retention allows businesses to maximize their potential. Establish a solid on-boarding process that makes job expectations clear. Include information about the corporate culture and expectations for participation.
Plan regular meetings to check in on their progress personally and professionally. Ask for feedback to ensure you are communicating effectively. Set an example of positivity in the workplace.
Do You Wish to Enhance Your Organization?
The foundation for all high-performing businesses lies in effective teams. At Centennial, we help grow companies through planning, hiring, and employee retention. Our experts partner with growth-minded organizations to develop effective leadership teams.
Are you ready to up your game? Contact us today to learn how we can help you build an effective team for your business.