Team effectiveness pillar number 2: Team Cohesion

In a previous article I introduced 4 key pillars of Team Effectiveness, an essential enabler of success in today’s fast paced environment: pre-requisites for teamwork, team cohesion, team satisfaction, team performance.

These pillars are part of a comprehensive methodology to help teams improve their effectiveness, applied more than 2000 times within global companies from all market sectors.

I am happy to share with you today some key dimensions of the second ?pillar, Team Cohesion, ?which represents the ability of a team to work effectively together. Team Cohesion is also based upon key components of Psychology Safety, as studied and publicized by Dr. Amy Edmondson, Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School.

I have also added for you some strategies to implement and foster these dimensions of Team Cohesion.

Intrateam Trust:

Intrateam trust is the confidence team members have in each other’s reliability, competence, and integrity. It's the belief that each member will perform their role effectively and support one another.

Strategies:

• Open communication: Foster an environment where open and honest communication is encouraged. This includes sharing information transparently and addressing concerns promptly.
• Consistency: Ensure that team members follow through on their commitments and promises. Consistency in actions builds reliability.
• Team building activities: Engage in regular team-building exercises that promote trust and understanding among team members.

Care Mindset - key component of Psychological Safety

A care mindset involves demonstrating genuine empathy and consideration for each team member's well-being. It emphasizes understanding, compassion, and support, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and psychologically safe. A care mindset is not just about addressing immediate concerns but also about fostering long-term well-being and development.

Strategies:

• Active listening: Encourage team members to listen actively to each other’s concerns and perspectives without interrupting or judging.
• Empathy training: Conduct workshops and training sessions focused on developing empathy and emotional intelligence within the team.
• Supportive leadership: demonstrate behaviors that prioritize the team’s well-being, such as offering additional support and flexibility during challenging personal times (leave options, adjusted workloads, counseling services), maintaining an open-door policy and being approachable, doing regular informal check-ins with each team member …

Learning Mindset - key component of Psychological Safety

A learning mindset encourages continuous improvement and growth, where team members feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of retribution.

Strategies:

• Encouragement of experimentation: Create a safe space for team members to try new ideas and approaches, even if they may fail.
• Learning opportunities: Provide access to professional development resources such as courses, workshops, and seminars.
• Celebration of learning: Recognize and reward efforts to learn and improve, even if they do not result in immediate success.

Humility Mindset - key component of Psychological Safety

A humility mindset is the recognition of one’s limitations and the willingness to seek help and learn from others. It involves acknowledging that everyone can contribute and learn, and that everyone should be able to say “I don’t know” without and fear or feeling in danger.

Strategies:

• Admission and acceptance of limitations and mistakes: ?Communicate openly about your own limitations and mistakes and encourage every team member to do the same,? discuss what can be learned from these mistakes.
• Constructive feedback: Encourage a culture where feedback is regularly sought and valued, and where constructive criticism is viewed as an opportunity for growth.
• Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship opportunities that allow team members to to learn from each other’s experiences and expertise.

Mutual Support

Mutual ?support involves providing assistance, encouragement, and resources to one another, ensuring that everyone can succeed together.

Strategies:

• Collaboration Tools: Utilize tools that facilitate collaboration and make it easy for team members to support one another.
• Peer Recognition: Implement systems for team members to recognize and appreciate each other’s efforts and contributions.
• Team Meetings: Hold regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and how team members can support each other.

Belonging

A sense of belonging ensures that team members feel included, valued, and an integral part of the group, fostering a strong identification with the team.

Strategies:

• Inclusive Culture: Promote diversity and inclusion by valuing different perspectives and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
• Onboarding Process: Ensure new team members feel welcomed and integrated into the team from day one.
• Team Celebrations: Celebrate milestones, achievements, and special occasions together to build camaraderie and a sense of community.

Feedback Culture

A feedback culture encourages regular, constructive feedback that helps team members grow and improve. It involves giving and receiving feedback in a positive and productive manner.

Strategies:

• Regular feedback opportunities: Schedule frequent one-on-one and team meetings specifically for giving and receiving feedback.
• Constructive Feedback: Train team members on how to provide feedback that is specific, actionable, and focused on behaviors rather than personal attributes.
• Feedback Tools: Use platforms that facilitate anonymous and honest feedback, allowing team members to express their views without fear of repercussions.

By integrating these dimensions of team cohesion and implementation strategies, organizations can build cohesive teams that thrive on trust, support, and continuous improvement, a essential enabler of effectiveness.

What strategies have you found effective in fostering team cohesion in your organization? Share your thoughts!

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