A Japanese proverb goes, “A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.” In order to build an effective team, the team leader should establish his or her leadership with each team member. A team built on loyalty and trust will go much further than a team built on fear and power.
How to Build an Effective Team
1. Value everyone’s ideas. There are no such things as stupid ideas. Learn to respect your employees’ ideas and encourage them to share their ideas.
2. Emphasize the importance of sharing information. Each team member needs to know how important it is to communicate with each other. Demonstrate how their jobs operate together in order to move the entire team closer to the goals.
3. Clearly define what you need to accomplish. Setting clear time frames and the responsibilities of each individual will give the enter team a sense of direction. Know what your standards for success will be.
4. Encourage active listening. As a supervisor, your priority should be to stimulate a discussion. Most employees are fearful to disagree with one another, but this fear can lead to the team making mediocre decisions.
5. Be the harmonizing mediator. Do your best to resolve minor disputes while pointing your team to higher goals of the company.
6. Remember to be tactful. Set an example to other team members by showing that you can be open and sensitive to the employees’ moods and feelings.
7. Establish a sense of commitment. Do your team members want to participate in a team? Do team members want to be acknowledged for their contributions? These questions will help you know where each employee stands and what you can do to bring the team closer together.
Make it an effort and spend time on each of these seven steps to ensure your team can effectively contribute to the company’s success. Your team members will see you as trustworthy and respectful. Your business will soar. Most importantly, they will love where they work.
