Teams, in one form or the other, are often at the heart of many businesses. The ability of a team of employees that can work together and complement one another, can often make or break a business.
This is why knowing what to look for when it comes to building teams and encouraging employees to work as team members is extremely important.
Working as a team can be a relatively simple concept, however, under the surface they can be quite complex and intricate, especially when dealing with human emotions such as jealousy, and competitiveness. Understanding the essential ingredients when it comes to building successful teams is important.
Here we take a brief look at some of the reasons why a team may become dysfunctional:
Lack of education about teams. Those working within a “team” environment should be aware of how the team works. Each should have knowledge of each other’s roles and how each person impacts on another.
Lack of team structure. For a team to be successful it should be structured correctly. This means each “player” knows their boundaries, expectations and limitations. They should each be aware of the business’ vision, mission, systems, etc.
Lack of communication. An integral part of teamwork is communication. It is imperative that the left hand knows what the right hand is doing. It is also important that the “designated decision-maker” is known by all team members.
Additional issues to consider when building a team
Building a successful team can be integral to your success. Here we look at additional factors to consider.
Lack of purpose. Teams need to be given a purpose. If team members don’t understand why the team has been implemented, or the rationale behind the groupings, they won’t know what is expected of them. Rewards and performance appraisals can be a big help when it comes to instilling purpose into a team environment.
Lack of time. It must be realised that it will take time for the team to “fall into place” as members begin to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In turn, they will also come to know how each member fits into the team. Creating teams, especially in the sales area, takes planning and time.
Lack of training. In many cases, depending on the type of business, a successful team can also be built on the correct training. By having each team member trained in all aspects of what needs to be achieved, you will ensure that each team member will be able to “pull their weight” without having to distract or rely on other team members for assistance or guidance. While additional training may cost extra, it is worth it in the long run if the team member is to become more productive.
