The backbone of any successful organization is its employees. When your team members are knowledgeable and committed to providing the best service or product, your company has an optimal chance for success.
Employees who work well together create an atmosphere of collaboration and problem-solving that keeps your company running like a well-oiled machine. How can your staff combine forces and create a dynamic team? Here are five qualities a successful team possesses.
1. Communication
Team members who communicate freely with each other share ideas, opinions and criticism without fear of retribution. As a manager, you can set the stage for good communication by giving employees a chance to talk. Establish regular one-on-one or group meetings to check in on your staff’s needs, wants and ideas. You can actively listen to what team members have to say by giving undivided attention and asking clarifying questions.
Asking for feedback is a great way to let employees know you’re listening. You can do this through an employee engagement survey a few times a year to get a picture of how employees feel about the exchange of ideas in your workplace. By creating a positive culture framework of open communication, your staff will hopefully follow suit and extend those traits to other team members.
2. Focus on Results
Successful teams have a clear picture of what the company needs to accomplish and what their role is. They also believe their role is an integral part of the company’s goals. Strong teams know what they need to do to achieve objectives, and if something is unclear, they feel confident asking other team members or management for clarification or support.
You can give teams a clear focus by sharing the big picture, setting goals and explaining how employees can accomplish them. Encourage staff to collaborate when necessary and reassure them you’re available for assistance. You can check in periodically to measure progress and realign objectives where needed.
3. Support
Successful teams know that mutual support is an integral part of working well together. They are not intimidated by asking for support or stepping in to help another when needed.
Your role in creating support among team members is to ensure the organization provides it.
Employees need the company to provide:
- Training
- Human resources assistance
- Performance management
- Incentive and rewards programs
Support begins at the top of your organization. Providing your team with the backing it needs gives your staff the resources to assist each other.
4. Diversity
A team of employees varying in age, experience, personalities and cultural backgrounds create strength through their diversity. People with diverging perspectives can offer suggestions and solutions that other team members may not have known about. Diversification keeps your team out of an echo chamber and open to new ideas.
You can help build a diverse team by demonstrating a willingness to listen to employees with a diverse perspective and avoid making decisions on their behalf. Work to understand limitations and challenges so that your company can help overcome them. Use inclusive language in your recruiting materials, and when you attract employees of multiple perspectives, ensure you have a plan to retain them.
5. Strong Leadership
A successful team begins with an effective leader. Your role is to offer support, encouragement, information, attainable goals, praise and constructive criticism.
Leading by example is one of the best ways to demonstrate your commitment to the team. Demand of yourself what you expect from your staff, and you earn their trust. They know you mean what you say and can approach you confidently when they have questions or concerns.
Good leaders also know when to step back and let employees do the work. They don’t try to control or forcefully direct their staff. Rather than micromanaging, they trust their team members to find innovative solutions to problems.
It can be hard work to build a successful team. Conflicts and difficult situations are inevitable in any workplace. However, a staff with the skills and confidence to overcome obstacles proves that team building is worth the effort.
