Are you wondering how you can build a successful team? If so, you are in luck because successful teamwork and collaboration can be taught through the right approaches to leadership. There are many components involved in creating a successful team and it is not something that can happen overnight.
If you are committed to nurturing the success of your team, read on to learn more.
Make sure you have a clear vision
As with any successful sporting team, it is important to have that one overarching goal that every team player works towards. This means understanding and identifying what each team player can contribute towards reaching that goal. Knowing each person’s strengths and weaknesses are crucial in ensuring success in your team.
Expecting each employee to perform at the same level in every domain as their fellow employees, is a common mistake many leaders make. Instead, take the time to learn how you can use each team member to increase your success. Making sure your employees are aware of how they are helping contribute to the company’s goals will help them feel motivated and valued by the team.
This is particularly important in project management as you do not want to be delegating tasks to the wrong people. Make sure you get to know your team and have a good idea of their skill level so that you are not making unreasonable assumptions.
Lead by example
Any successful team you see in the workplace will have a strong leader. This means being able to communicate efficiently, leading humbling and being open to feedback from your peers. A great leader leads by example, which means being on time for meetings, striving to be better and spreading enthusiasm wherever they go.
Good leaders acknowledge that every achievement is a result of the whole team’s effort, and they aren’t afraid to give their team credit for all their hard work. As a leader, it is important to make sure your team knows that you are working alongside them and not above them. This will help foster a better relationship between you and your employees.
Work together towards goals
Teams that are able to work together and delegate tasks efficiently usually perform the best. It is important that each person knows their individual role in the team and has a good understanding of how to make the most of other people’s strengths. Remember, there is no I in team. Make sure your team is encouraged to work together and support each other.
The more you get to know your team, the more you’ll know about their unique skills and abilities. Be sure to encourage professional development in your team, as adult learning is important for keeping knowledge fresh and updated.
Provide constructive feedback
It is important to acknowledge that your team is always growing and progressing to new heights. They will not be perfect to begin with, nor will they reach a point where they do not have to progress anymore. The best teams acknowledge that everyone is at different stages in their learning and provide constructive feedback to peers so that they can move forward.
For example, project management involves knowing who is at a capable level of performing certain tasks. You cannot delegate difficult tasks to an employee that is still learning and expect them to complete them perfectly. You must be able to acknowledge that providing good feedback is an important part of nurturing success in your team, and if mistakes happen at work, it only means that you have an opportunity to teach your peers.
Be appreciative of all your team members
Success is something that is not only your responsibility to acknowledge as a leader, but the whole team’s responsibility. Encourage praise within your team so that small victories do not go unnoticed. When people realise that their hard work is recognised, they will go the extra mile to continue producing great work. Successful teams empower and inspire each other so it important that everyone is receiving praise from each other when it is deserved.
A “thank you” or “good job” is always appreciated but consider having a team lunch for big achievements so that everyone can relax and enjoy some time together. This is also a great way to get everyone’s mind off work so they can recharge and come back feeling fresher.
A successful team is made through a series of steps involving support and recognition. In order to achieve success, you must be committed to working alongside your team so that you can achieve the best results together.
About the Author
Helen Sabell works for the College for Adult Learning. She is passionate about the logistics industry and the evolving role of adult learning. Helen has developed and authored many workplace leadership programs, both in Australia and overseas.