What do you do if your team building skills are lacking and you need to create a learning plan?

I would adopt below approach- Self assessment : First, think about what you're good at and what you need to work on when it comes to working with others. Make a Plan: Decide when you'll learn and practice these things. Maybe you'll spend a little time each day reading or trying out what you learned. Try it Out: Practice what you learned with your friends or family. You can try talking to them in a nicer way or listening better when they have something to say. Kaizen(continuous improvement): Being good at teamwork is something you get better at over time. Keep learning and trying, and you'll keep getting better!

Begin by reflecting on past instances where team dynamics might have been better under your guidance. Seek honest feedback from peers and subordinates to identify your strengths and areas for growth in team management. This initial assessment is critical as it informs the specific skills you need to focus on and establishes a clear baseline for your learning journey.

With a self-awareness of your needs, set SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For instance, you may target enhancing team communication by setting up routine weekly check-ins, or you might focus on conflict resolution through mediation training. These goals provide a structured path forward and benchmarks for assessing your progress.

Select learning resources that match your preferred learning style and fit your schedule. Consider a variety of materials such as books on team dynamics, leadership podcasts, or interactive workshops. Blending theoretical insights with practical experiences ensures a well-rounded approach to mastering team building.

Put theory into practice by integrating new skills in manageable scenarios like regular team meetings or during project planning sessions. This real-world application is essential for refining your approach and building confidence in your leadership capabilities. Keep in mind that mastery takes time and persistence.

As you apply new strategies, actively seek and welcome feedback from your team. Constructive insights can help you adjust your approach and understand the impact of your actions. Foster a supportive environment where open communication is encouraged, enhancing both personal growth and team collaboration.

Make it a habit to periodically review what's working and what's not in your team management practices. Adjust your learning plan as needed, exploring new techniques or resources if current ones are not meeting your goals. This ongoing reflection ensures that your approach stays relevant and effective.

If you struggle with building a team, bring in an expert. A good external trainer or coach can help you better identify the areas where your team needs help and this will also help develop your own team-building skills. Make sure to choose someone knowledgeable, who brings in practical experience and works with data-driven, cutting-edge tools (such as Global DISC and Growth Zone) to map the team's needs and offers you long-term tailored solutions, not only situational help.

In expanding on how to develop team building skills, it’s important to consider the personal experiences and stories from various leaders which illustrate the transformative power of effective team dynamics. For instance, a leader might share an anecdote where an open feedback culture within the team helped solve persistent operational challenges, highlighting the importance of transparency and communication. Furthermore, integrating team building activities that go beyond traditional exercises can significantly benefit the learning curve. Examples include virtual reality simulations that place team members in high-pressure, collaborative scenarios or outdoor survival skills retreats that rely heavily on trust and delegation.