Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” – Andrew Carnegie
Since we have already discussed what it requires to help individuals on teams to become their very best, let’s now talk about making teams as a whole the very best that they can be. Finding cohesiveness for your team is important for your business, because a team that works together allows individuals and your business to thrive. In fact, if things aren’t going well, it probably has to do with your team’s performance. Yes, having your team work together in unison is that important.
So, here are four ways to get your team to work together beginning immediately:
- Cohesion begins with clear communication. Set clear goals, define what boundaries you want to set for your team, listen to everyone’s open feedback, allow for good conflict that pushes people forward, and then let them be creative. In the end, you can direct and oversee the project, but trust your team to execute the plan.
- Remove any barriers that stand in the way. As a leader, your main responsibility is to remove any barriers that stand in the way of your team’s success. This gives them the best opportunity to work as a team and to find cohesiveness between one another without having to worry about obstacles preventing them from meeting deadlines.
- Know your team. Knowing the strengths of the individuals on your team will help you assign tasks to the right people. Doing this allows each person to feel responsible for the outcome and will keep them engaged in the process from beginning to end.
- Take note of what works every single time. Success comes from planning, intelligence, execution through hard work, and data. The more data you collect from solutions that have worked through trial and error, the more answers you will have to go off of next time around. Many times, the same solution will work more than once. And when something does work, make sure to celebrate your success. Doing this will make your cohesive team want to produce better results in the future.
Great word and so true with teams. Also recommend communication between management and team to ensure agreement about what specifically are the barriers. Interesting that individuals may perceive those differently.