In business, groups of people often have to work with one another to achieve goals, and while we might like to think of these groups as successful teams, it takes more than just grouping people together to realize success.
As Sabina Nawaz at Harvard Business Review puts it, "Group members are accountable to the boss but not to each other; they often work in individual silos, oblivious to the bigger picture. At best, groups are inefficient and ungratifying; at the far end of the spectrum, they slop along in a soup of cultural toxicity making consequential mistakes through poor communication and the bad decision-making that results."*
That doesn't sound like a real team. So how do you turn a group of employees into a productive team?
Make Sure Expectations Are Clear
It starts with making sure everybody is clear on what is expected of them. State clear goals and define roles and responsibilities for each team member. Ask everyone if they have any questions to ensure everyone is on the same page. Have deadlines to be sure work is done on time and that one team member isn't holding up others from getting their parts done.
Emphasize Communication
Communication is key, so emphasize this for all team members. Make sure they know they can communicate openly with you for guidance and feedback, but also encourage them to keep communication open with one another. While you are there to answer questions, the more teams can work independently from you, the better, and your time is devoted to the tasks you've assigned.
Make Members Accountable
Make employees accountable for their roles. If expectations aren't being met, figure out why. Ask them for their honest opinion about what is preventing them from getting the job done adequately. Check in regularly, and consider using performance metrics in an objective manner. This will give you data to use to meet goals. Provide constructive feedback, and talk to other team members to gain different perspectives on the situation. Address underperformance in a way that helps the employee improve.
Try Team Building Exercises
Try team building exercises that help coworkers get to know one another better and work together in different scenarios. Skills they pick up from this can transfer into more important business projects. Consider ice-breaking games, team-building workshops, or even company outings that help build camaraderie among team members.
Always Foster a Positive Company Culture
Company culture can go a long way in fostering productivity among teams.
"Culture is the environment that surrounds us all the time," explains Dr. Pragya Agarwal at Forbes.** "A workplace culture is the shared values, belief systems, attitudes and the set of assumptions that people in a workplace share. This is shaped by individual upbringing, social and cultural context. In a workplace, however, leadership and the strategic organizational directions and management influence the workplace culture to a huge extent. A positive workplace culture improves teamwork, raises morale, increases productivity and efficiency, and enhances retention of the workforce. Job satisfaction, collaboration, and work performance are all enhanced. And, most importantly, a positive workplace environment reduces stress in employees."
Be the Leader Your Teams Need
Company culture starts at the top, so be the leader your teams need. Conduct yourself in a positive and productive manner, and lead by example. Communicate clearly, and maintain a positive attitude. Talk openly about goals and expectations on a regular basis, and encourage everyone to do their part to achieve them. Provide incentives.
When a working group has strong leadership, open communication, clear goals, trust, and camaraderie, great things can happen. A group can transform into a productive team that can do a lot for your business. Make sure all voices are heard, and that everyone is on the same page about what is expected.
* https://hbr.org/2024/01/how-curiosity-can-make-your-meetings-and-team-better
