There is no precisely defined strategy to employ when building a team. Successful teamwork is something that should develop organically, and great teams are fundamentally built on performance. Performance is the driving force that propels a group towards achieving its objectives. What are the core fundamentals for Team Building? Let’s find out.
These eight steps are fundamental to creating a highly efficient team:
Create a sense of urgency
The entire team needs to be focused on completing each project as if to a tight deadline. A team is more likely to perform at higher levels if they feel a sense of urgency underpinning every project.
Skills make teams stronger
Team members should have complementary skills. Essential team skills include technical expertise, a talent for communication, and problem-solving skills. All of these are essential to successful teamwork.
Also, a team needs to maintain an appropriate balance with regard to skills. And team leaders need to be adding to the skill pool on a regular basis in order to carry out all team projects successfully.
Meetings matter
Meetings are vital to the successful development of an efficient team. Meetings help members get to know each other and set aside any preconceived notions about their colleagues. It’s also a good opportunity to observe the team leader in action and determine if he is sensitive to the concerns of other team members.
Establish a code of conduct
Teams need guidelines regarding the behavior of its members. Guidelines make it possible for a new team to develop into an effective collaboration of talents. Important areas to cover are confidentiality, attendance, ways to encourage open and honest discussion, disagreement procedures, and limits for an acceptable workload. Rules encourage commitment, trust and participation, and give a firm foundation to the team.
Focus on short-term goals
Setting short-term goals helps to build momentum and achieve quick results to drive the team onwards to greater success. Goals should be realistic and obtainable, and capable of being accomplished expediently.
Set new challenges
Established, successful teams can become complacent, but new challenges can keep the momentum going and fuel the desire for success. The results of a survey conducted can often be challenging, and can be a good starting point for encouraging improved performance.
Social interaction matters
Often, the strongest teams spend time together socially, and as a result they build a stronger bond. This is particularly important in the initial stages of team development. Team members should be enjoying their time together both at work and at play.
Acknowledge performance
Achieving success is a team’s greatest reward. And the best team leaders recognize and applaud their achievements. This helps to keep the team focused and motivated, and feeds the appetite for more success.
These fundamentals are important to the long-term success of any team. Making sure that a team has a shared vision, understanding of purpose and strong work ethic is vital. With the right mixture of commitment, leadership, trust and focus, teams can accomplish extraordinary things.
