6 Ways to Build a Better Team Regardless of Team Location

If you’re in charge of a team or project at work, you’ll find that one of your most important priorities is to make sure your team is going to get along and get things done effectively. A productive and well-organized team is one that will excel.  

So what are the best ways to make sure that your team is in good shape? Take a look at the tips below to help you build a strong team. 

1.   Get to Know Your Team Members

Take the time to really learn about everyone on the team. What is each team member like and what are they good at? 

Knowing your team’s skills and growth areas is something that is important to keeping everyone productive. You’ll find that when you’re looking to get the best results from your team, you need to know what each team member excels in. This can help you figure out where to place them and what to make them responsible for. 

2.   Keep Everyone on The Team in The Loop

One reason good teams fall apart is that some members have information others do not or some members feel unequal to others. 

Remember that keeping your team briefed is an extremely important part of being a good team leader. Keep everyone up-to-date on the information that is available, and if it is not available, let them know why.  

3.   Encourage Team Respect

There’s a chance you’ll have two people on your team who aren’t going to get along. That’s okay. Your team doesn’t have to be a second family but they do have to respect one another!  

Acknowledge that everyone doesn’t have to get along, but everyone must be respectful. Personality clashes might, whether you like it or not, spill over on the job, so avoid taking sides and, instead, find a swift solution to resolve any conflicts. 

4.   Don’t Let Bad Apples Hold the Team Back

It’s almost inevitable that you’ll have a member of your team who thinks they can sit back and let the rest of the group do all the work. If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t let it set the entire team back. If, after discussing the issue with the employee, they still refuse to pull their weight, remove them from the team and assign their portion to someone else. 

As the team’s leader, you may need to take on the extra work yourself, but at least it’s getting done and your team will appreciate and respect your efforts. 

5.   Be Respectful of Everyone’s Talents

One of the most important things a team leader can do is to stand back and let talented people work. When you’re constantly hovering over their shoulder, you’re essentially saying that you don’t trust them to do their job. Have faith in your team! 

If they say they’ll deliver, make sure you respect their promise unless you have a justifiable reason to doubt them. Remember, if members of your team are already working hard there’s no reason to crack the whip on them. 

6.   Reward Members for a Job Well Done

One great thing you can do is to show your team how much you appreciate their efforts. Check with management, if necessary, to decide how you can reward your team so they know you appreciate their hard work. 

Whether you take them out to lunch or something as simple as letting everyone out a little early, rewarding your team can go a long way towards making them more productive. 

Above all, don’t lose sight of how you would want to be treated if you were in your team member’s shoes. Keeping those feelings, along with the tips above, in mind will create a motivated and collaborative atmosphere for everyone involved.

Mary Ann Samedi is a seasoned talent development consultant, instructor, facilitator, leadership coach, and the creator of Set to Lead, a leadership podcast. She enjoys helping busy leaders get results with proven systems to accelerate team impact and improve team retention. For more team success strategies and support resources, visit https://www.settolead.com.