TEAMS

A team is a way of organizing different people with different goals and plans.  When a team is successful, it funnels the energy of team members for the overall good. Your team is also probably your biggest single expense, so it’s important to get the most out of them!

 

Do You Have The Right People On Your Team?

The goals of a company should be consistent and match what their ultimate vision is. Teamwork is always the most effective when the goal is clear to all employees and spelled out in a way that everyone can understand. Even the most diverse group of people should be able to accomplish their goals in a timely manner if each member of the team understands the point and importance of working together. Successful teams have figured out how to assess themselves and able to check their progress along the way.

Having an Employee That Stands Out

In every group and team, strong leadership is important.  This doesn’t mean that a manager needs to bully the team to maintain control, but able to guide the development of the group and potentially educate along the way.  This can be done many different ways, such as by defining specific roles and responsibilities for members of the group, as well as a timeline for the common project so members can understand the place of their role within the timeline.  An effective team leader can recognize how personalities affect team dynamics.  Each person working within a group brings to that group his or her own personality and skill set. Recognizing each person’s style of work, motivation, and level of understanding can help a manager understand how that person fits within the group as a whole. You may have some employees that are better working in a specific group with a specific skill set – and others may be better working independently.

Without The Right Team – Your Business Can’t Grow

Unfortunately for all those who contribute positively, there may also be those whose behavior, attitude, or work habits negatively affect the dynamics of the group.   Aggressive personalities that intimidate other group members or those who seem to always be “off-task” are easy to identify.  A manager who recognizes and reacts quickly to these personalities can influence the dynamic of the group in positive ways.  If each member of the group sees his or her contribution as valuable and accountable to the larger group, then less disruption is likely to occur.  Team leaders should work to create an environment that fosters teamwork and collaboration that will empower employees.  Empowered employees will act independently and require minimal direction. They will take responsibility for their actions and be accountable for the results of their work.

Make Things Possible!

Training and development are essential for the creation of teams. The right employee training, development, and education can provide dividends for the employer in increased productivity, knowledge, loyalty, and contribution from employees.  Training is the process of teaching and learning specific knowledge or skills to improve performance.  Development focuses on employee growth and future performance.  Training that helps each employee grow their skills and knowledge to better perform their current job is appreciated as a benefit. The opportunity for development increases employee loyalty including retention rate and helps you attract the best possible employees.