Managing Effective Teams
Building an effective team is the key to productivity, but it extends beyond an abstract commitment of "teamwork"; it requires managers to be committed to its development. In order to lead a team effectively, managers must first establish their leadership with each team member. This is done by fostering trust through honesty and transparency, rather than asserting authority. Once trust and loyalty are established, a manager must unite the team around a common goal and the company mission.
As we know, there is no "i" in team, and an effective team will always outperform a single individual. Below is a list of best practices for managing an effective team.
Consider each employee's ideas as valuable
Employees come from many different backgrounds and all walks of life. Managers should value the contribution of diverse ideas from team members.
Be aware of employees' feelings
Managers should be open with employees and sensitive to their feelings. This may require an open-door policy. An open-door policy is important in fostering close working relationships with employees and promoting a culture of openness. Employees are more likely to trust the manager if they know that they can talk to them when they have a problem, and that the manager wants to be actively engaged with their daily activities.
Act as a harmonizing influence
During times of conflict among employees, managers should try to resolve disputes amicably by letting each person communicate their position in an inclusive environment. Once all parties have had a fair opportunity to express themselves, managers should mediate by pointing out that in the end, everyone is working toward the team's higher goals, but sometimes different people have different solutions on how to achieve them.
Be clear when communicating
Managers must always utilize the 7Cs of communication when communicating with employees which include being: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and courteous.
Encourage trust and cooperation among employees on your team
Relationships between team members are important in establishing team dynamics. Employees should be encouraged to be build rapport and be empathetic towards one another. Managers can facilitate rapport building through formal and informal team activities. Additionally, it is essential to continuously monitor the way in which team members work together to ensure communication, cooperation, trust, and respect.
Encourage team members to share information
Managers should emphasize the value of each team member's contribution and how their job is an integral part of ensuring the team meets its goals.
Delegate problem-solving tasks to the team
Managers should empower employees to brainstorm and create solutions together.
Facilitate communication
Managers must facilitate communication between themselves and their team members as it is the most important factor in successful teamwork. This can be done by regularly soliciting input from employees in order to empower others on the team to participate more willingly and effectively. This input can also help members feel valued and in turn motivated to meet high performance standards. Managers should also remain open to suggestions and concerns of their subordinates, and always communicate using the 7 Cs.
Establish team values and goals; evaluate team performance
Managers must be open with team members about their progress and performance. This not only allows the employee the opportunity to see what they are doing well, they are also able to address any problem areas they have had. Team discussions should be frequent, and should assess: job performance, success, values, and accountability.
Make sure the team has a clear idea of what needs to be accomplished
In order to measure success, managers must establish clear standards, timeframes, and responsibilities among team members.
Use consensus
Managers can increase productivity by setting objectives with team members, empowering employees to solve problems, and establishing clear plans for action.
Set ground rules for the team
All team members should be committed to the rules, guidelines, and directives established by the manager with the input of the group.
Establish a method for arriving at a consensus
Open debates are a healthy and democratic way of determining pros and cons of any area related to the team or company goal.
Encourage listening and brainstorming
Open debate is an important way to inspire creativity amongst team members. Additionally, it allows members the time to listen and brainstorm to achieve the best results for any given issue.
Establish the parameters of consensus-building sessions.
Managers should be sensitive to the frustration that can mount when the team is not achieving consensus. At the outset of a meeting, managers should establish time limits, and work with the team to achieve consensus within those parameters. Managers should also be careful of false consensus; if an agreement is struck too quickly, a manager should probe individual team members to discover their real feelings about the proposed solution.
