It is no secret that excellent teamwork in the workplace contributes to an organization’s success. Employees are more motivated to bring out their best; they have improved morale and are more likely to stay with the company for a long time.
But regardless of how big or small the company you’re running is, you and your employees are susceptible to committing common pitfalls such as lack of trust, a deficit in collaboration, and weak communication. When all these add up, it leads to workplace failures.
Knowing how to effectuate teamwork is a difficult feat for a leader. You have to make everyone on the team feel significant and accepted. You can initially brainstorm with your members some ideas to nurture a collaborative work environment. Nonetheless, here are some helpful tips to give you ideas.
Surefire Ways to Improve Teamwork Culture in Your Company
Define and Clarify Roles
The first step in improving office teamwork is by setting out clear roles. Define every team member’s responsibilities and duties. Not doing this step would likely result in several members doing the same task while leaving other necessary duties with no person to handle them.
By defining and clarifying roles in a team, it prevents the likelihood of confusion and resentment. It also helps avoid over-delegation of tasks to some members, leaving them feeling mistreated.
Define Long-Term Goals
As important as defining everyone’s role is specifying the long-term goals of your organization. Not only should it be stated during the onboarding process of newbies, but also during regular meetings to keep everyone reminded.
By clearly defining your measurable goals to everyone in the company, everyone would be on the same page. Your members will move with you in the same direction. As you move toward the same clear goal, communication becomes more easy and meaningful.
Encourage Informal Events
Ironic it may seem, but imposing team building on your employees would only be detrimental to good office teamwork. Instead of making it compulsory for your team to participate in team-building activities, focus instead on low-key informal events.
You may opt instead to have a karaoke or drinking night with your team. Consider as well taking them out for lunch. And for a change, why not enroll everyone in a music conservatory school? Not only are these activities less expensive, but they are fun.
Reward Excellent Teamwork
One way to help develop a collaborative effort in the workplace is by praising your employees for their teamwork. Appreciate your employees who go above and beyond their duties to help others in the workplace, even if what they did is not necessarily in line with company goals.
By showing gratitude for your employees’ unselfish behavior, you help create a friendly, more nurturing, and trusting company culture. When people understand each other more, there is fewer company politics and dramas, making employees more focused on their work.
There is no one-size-fits-all formula that would solve an organization’s problem of office teamwork. Nonetheless, by following these tips and making some changes, you can eventually see a more collaborative and nurturing work environment.