Build Better TEAMS –

        It’s hard to operate these days without teams.

        Today success or failure depends on whether people work together effectively in teams.

        To succeed in business you need to be able to build effective teams. 

        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 life experiences of each person in each team. 

        Give consideration to how well people get on together. Group dynamics play an important role. You must be able to get the mix right.

A Handful of Tips to build a new team or to improve a team

* 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 people with a wide background of experiences, and cultures.

        They contribute different outlooks and different skills.

        Select team leaders for their enthusiasm and vision. 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 do not lose face when you remove them.)

* Empower teams

        Delegate responsibilities to teams. They should be empowered to do things their way and not be heavily supervised. 

        Goals should be realistic, challenging, negotiable, and put in writing.

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

* Keep in touch, encourage and support teams

        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 failures. 

* Coach and encourage teams

        You need to coach and encourage work teams as you would a sports team.

        Encourage formal and informal activities both inside and outside work.

        Social events can help strengthen a team.

* Reward and celebrate successes

          The only way to judge a team is by the results achieved.

        Managers should acknowledge improvements and successes, and reward results,  not tasks.

        Never forget to praise and say, ‘well done“.

, when objectives have been achieved on time.

-Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Teamwork is less ‘me,’ and more ‘we’.

For success in your job follow these blogs.

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.

For those in need, our book “NO JOB! WHAT NOW?” is available FREE from our website.