Want to Improve Workplace Efficiency? Improve Your Team Dynamics First.
Robert FORD
Business Growth Specialist | Business Community Leader| Business Connector
I was stunned while reading this article about Want to Improve Workplace Efficiency? Improve Your Team Dynamics First. Here are some of them:
Work productivity?and efficiencies can't be improved just by looking at trends in sales or profits. Instead, productivity and efficiencies result from the improvement of specific soft skills. For example, one critical to the workplace environment is?team-building. Unfortunately, though, it's hard to improve team dynamics without first understanding the primary components of a team.
The importance of social cohesion in business
The above title seems self-explanatory. Social cohesion is essential in business. It's necessary in all aspects of life. However, what is?social cohesion? And what makes up?group dynamics?
Social ties/bonds:?First, any group of individuals has ties, whether in the office or in private. These ties link an individual to other individuals in the group. The point here is that, without an association with all your teammates, there can be no interpersonal growth and improvement.
Social capital:??refers to what you bring to the table. For example, Are there multiple talents, opinions, thoughts, and perspectives represented in the group? More diversity means improved decision-making. Further, new employees who work closely with more senior colleagues have a better chance of overcoming any learning curves.
Social cohesion:??refers to the strength of the bond between the individuals in the group. Well-bonded group members have more instinctual trust in each other's opinions and decisions. As a result, work becomes streamlined, efficient and higher quality.
Social contagion:?refers to the hive mind mentality of people. We are all emotional animals who are inherently affected by the world's emotions around us. So, placing a less successful employee in a group with positive individuals who are succeeding, can alter that individual's perspective for the better.
Social inclusion:?However, nothing can be created out of thin air. Your group dynamics must foster this positive and cooperative atmosphere, leading to personal improvements and growth. No one in the group should ever be sidelined. The best way to ensure that everyone feels included is to make them feel heard. Group dynamics should consist of open dialogue that is judgment-free.
As you think about your internal culture and how your corporate goals can be better achieved via smaller workgroups, make sure you understand the natural progression of the group's social cohesion. Most likely, there won't be an immediate success. But naturally, individuals improve their communication and cooperation as the social bonds, cohesion and inclusion improves. There are?five natural stages?to the life of a group:
1. Forming
The first stage of the group is technically the setup and paperwork stage. The members are formally introduced to each other, the purpose, the tools and the process. The members aren't creating yet — they are only learning at this stage. Don't skip this step. A shared understanding of the actual?corporate goals?is vital to the targeted completion of specific tasks.
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2. Storming
Storming involves and references the natural tendencies of groups to develop a pecking order. Individuals may need to overcome interpersonal conflicts or issues. Members may need to be swapped out as needed.
3. Norming
Once a common understanding of the work and?communication style?is found, social cohesion can develop. Again, this isn't a forced stage but will naturally occur when the group finds its footing on how it will best cooperate and communicate.
4. Performing
The fourth stage, performing the group purpose, can only be achieved when the group is formed, cohesive and adequately communicating. Any group dynamic fault can and will derail the development of the product. Instead of developing a successful outcome, the group will waste time and money.
5. Adjourning
Nothing lasts forever. However, in the corporate world, that is a good thing. The life of a group should last only as long as the group is needed. After that, it can constantly be redeployed on a different project. However, make sure that before the group disbands, there is some type of closeout such that future audits have a clear path of the group's actions.
Creating a group is not just a paperwork exercise. It should be an intentional activity combining?diverse perspectives?and backgrounds such that each team member can both contribute and learn from the process. Trust your team. Give them a goal, and let them find their path to your success.
Want to know more? Head on over to the full article here for more ideas and perspective. Afterwards, why not drop me an email to share your thoughts at [email protected]; or call me on 0467 749 378.
Thanks,
Robert