Build Better TEAMS  –

        To succeed in business you need to be able to build effective teams.  Teamwork is less ‘me’ and more ‘we’.

        Different tasks require different types of teams. Give serious consideration to the requirements before you build a new team, or reorganise a working group.

        Every team is unique so look closely at the work and experiences of each person. 

        Group dynamics play an important role. Consider  to how well people get on together. Aim to get the mix right.

        Select a suitable leader – one who can facilitate problem solving and develop a work  climate where people feel relaxed and enjoy being part of the team.

A Handful of Tips to help you build  better teams

* Analyse the work first

          Before making any changes look at what teams do now and what you want them to do.

        Which areas could be improved quickly and easily?

        You will get greater synergy if you select teams containing a mixture of ages, genders and a variety of life experiences – they can all contribute different outlooks and different skills.

        Select team leaders for their enthusiasm and vision. Their enthusiasm can be contagious.

        Cynics and jokers should be removed if they hinder progress. (Offer them an audit task or a research task so they don’t lose face when you remove them.)

* Empower teams

          Delegate responsibilities to teams.

        Their goals should be realistic, challenging, negotiable and in put in writing.

        Empower them to do things their way and not be heavily supervised.

        Teams should be involved in corporate planning and feel they can contribute to the organisation.

        People have a basic desire to make a difference – they want to contribute.  Encourage them to do that.

* Regular communication is essential  

          Team members should meet frequently to review progress.

        Good communication is a two-way affair.

        Management must give regular feedback on how a team is performing and any changing situations. 

        Teams leaders must keep management informed of their successes and their failures. 

* Coach and encouraging teams

          You need to coach and encourage work teams as you would a sports team. If necessary, rebalanced for greater efficiency.

        Encourage formal and informal activities both inside and outside work.  Social events can help strengthen a team.

* Acknowledge, reward and celebrate successes

        Managers should acknowledge improvements and successes and rewards result, not completed tasks.

        Competition between teams can be a great stimulus.

Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“The only way to judge a team is by its performance.”

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Source: “Secrets for New Managers” first published by Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource.