Solid foundations to help Teams Excel
The need for organizations to be agile and nimble in their environment makes teamwork ?a cornerstone of success in the workplace. As team leaders, it's crucial that we not only excel in our professional roles but also nurture the dynamics within our teams. To do so, we need to build a solid foundation for the team to excel by creating an environment where communication is clear, roles well understood and support and space given for the team to learn.
Setting Standards for Communication
Effective communication is at the heart of any successful team in the workplace. Surprisingly, many teams fail to establish clear standards for communication. Have you ever discussed with your team how quickly messages should be responded to, be it emails, texts, or direct messages? Or indeed, when to email, text, IM, phone, video call or call a meeting? These seemingly simple questions often reveal divergent expectations, especially in diverse teams.
To improve team cohesion, on should establish ground rules for communication and make a collective effort to adhere to them. By defining these guidelines, you reduce misunderstandings and create an environment where everyone feels heard and respected. One can also take this further by assessing the individual team member's preferred style of interaction through an assessment such as DiSC, the results of which can form the basis for a discussion within the team for each individual to better understand the others.
Knowing Each Other's Strengths
Knowing the strengths of the different members on your team is paramount to leverage their abilities and mitigate their weaknesses. However, it's not uncommon for members of a team to have limited knowledge about each other's strengths, making it difficult to work cohesively. The solution lies in getting to know your team members on a personal level and focusing on their individual strengths.
Schedule time this week to connect with a team member and inquire about their strengths and what they excel at. Or consider having team members take the VIA Character Strengths online assessment to identify their signature strengths and have a discussion on how these can be capitalize this within the team environment. Capitalizing on each person's strengths allows your team to function efficiently, creating synergy that transcends individual contributions.
Team Roles and Working Together
Consider a high-performing project team: individual talent is essential, but it's the synchronization of roles and seamless collaboration that elevates them to greatness. Take a moment to discuss roles with your team members and evaluate if they align with individual preferences and strengths. By making these adjustments, you can unlock the full potential of your team.
Great teams in the workplace thrive when members understand their roles and responsibilities and work in harmony. Identifying what you excel at and what your teammates bring to the table facilitates the establishment of well-defined roles and responsibilities.
One valuable framework that can aid in this process is the Belbin Team Roles. Dr. Meredith Belbin's research identified nine distinct team roles, each with its unique characteristics and contributions. By understanding these roles, team members can gain insights into their preferred roles within the team and how they can complement one another. For example, take the Shaper Role (SH). They are the ones who are focused on getting the job done on target, reminding everyone on the team to expedite the tasks so deadlines can be met.? Their focus on the task, however, can mean that they neglect the human side of work and can come across as a bit insensitive. Teamworkers (TW), on the other hand, are known for their interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships within the team and can play a crucial role in maintaining a cohesive and stress-free team environment. These two Team Roles also happen to be “opposites” and have the potential to create friction.
To apply the Belbin Team Roles effectively, start by having your team members identify their primary roles based on their strengths and preferences using the online assessment. Encourage open discussions about these roles, and explore how they align with the team's objectives. Having a better understanding of each team member’s preferred team roles not only help identify what the individual team members are best in, but also creates a better understanding of one another, promoting a more harmonious environment. By recognizing and embracing the diversity of Team Roles within your team, you can allocate tasks and responsibilities more strategically, resulting in improved teamwork and overall performance.
Bringing it all together: The Team Charter
Creating a team charter helps to solidify the team’s foundations. A team charter is a document that outlines the team's purpose, goals, roles, and communication guidelines. It acts as a roadmap for your team's journey, ensuring everyone is on the same page and committed to the collective mission.
To build a team charter, start by gathering your team members for a collaborative discussion. Identify the team’s values to provide a framework for acceptable and unacceptable behaviours. Define the team's purpose, its short-term and long-term goals, and each member's role and responsibilities, considering their preferred Belbin Team Roles. Establish clear communication norms, including response times and preferred channels. Once your team charter is in place, regularly revisit and revise it as needed to adapt to changing circumstances.
Fostering Team Learning to maintain continuous improvement
Beyond the initial setup, it's essential to give your team space for continuous learning and improvement. Teams, like individuals, benefit from ongoing development. Encourage a culture of team learning, where team members reflect on their performance, share feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
Team learning not only enhances efficiency but also cultivates a harmonious work environment. Encourage open dialogue and constructive feedback, allowing your team to grow together. Consider organizing regular team-building activities and training sessions to foster collaboration and skill development.
Approaching these interventions to have more effective communication, better understanding strengths and roles, establishing a team charter ?and embracing continuous improvement can have a major impact on performance when implemented in a structured programme.? The TeamXL programmes help to elevate the team's performance and cohesion. Find out more at https://bit.ly/TeamXL .
?
?