No one says it's going to be easy. It takes work to get a team functioning well. There are specific strategies that help individuals get the most out of teamwork, all contributing to the success of the team.
Here are eight key 'must do's':
Articulate and share goals.
Rather than assuming team members know the desired result, make sure specific goals are clearly articulated. Using an annual strategic plan, monthly and project plans, you can ensure energies and efforts are working in the right direction.
Embrace change.
The nature of teamwork is that your job will constantly change. You will probably be a member of many teams, encompassing many different personalities and working styles. You need the flexibility to adapt to different situations.
Communicate well.
Be aware of the 55-38-7 equation. Fifty-five percent of what others gain from your presentation comes from non-verbal communication such as eye contact, hand gestures and body language. Thirty-eight percent comes from the sound or tone of your voice. Just 7 percent of the message received is based on the content of what you're saying. Keep communications organized and documented. Use software such as Outlook, Lotus Notes or Group Wise to their maximum.
Get more out of meetings.
Team meetings are a vital element in any organisation. Improve the productivity of meetings by developing your meeting skills such as proper planning and communicating objectives well in advance.
Commit to learning.
You will be a better team member if you have skills relevant to your job role. This means you have to be continually learning, whether it's through continuing education, training programs or reading. By learning how to communicate or manage more effectively, you can work more effectively in teams.
Learn to be a leader and a follower.
As you move from team to team, your role will change. Depending on the dynamics of the individuals in a team, you could be a leader in one team and a follower in another. No one individual is always the boss in a team environment. Leaders who can't follow, and followers who are unable to lead, will have limited value in teams.
Trust your teammates.
You can't do it better on your own! While individuals have different strengths and styles, you must trust other team members to fulfill their functions adequately. This trust will build strong relationships and strong teams.
Look for win:win opportunities.
Forget the old ideas of winning and losing. Just because one group wins, doesn't mean the other group has to lose. Use the creativity of the group to develop situations where you can win because someone else wins.
