“It’s a simple idea; we all do better when we work together and invest in our future.”  – Elizabeth Warren.

As well as working with individuals, I enjoy working with teams to help them improve team working and as a result develop their performance. Sometimes during assignments I’m surprised at the level of conflict and bad feeling that exists in some teams.

Recently I was wondering what impact the lack of effective team work has on an organisation’s profitability, customer satisfaction levels, staff motivation levels, efficiency and results.

The Office for National Statistics published some research in October 2017 which suggested that the output per hour worked in the UK was 15.1% below the average for the rest of the G7 advanced economies in 2016. I wonder what part a lack of team working has in creating those statistics?.

There has also been research linking employee engagement directly to productivity. A 2009 study by the University of Iowa and Gallup revealed an 18% drop in productivity among most and least engaged employees. The same survey also noted a connection between absenteeism and engagement: it’s 37% higher among employees with engagement scores in the lowest quartile.

Conflict produces very unpleasant and negative energy and this creates a very challenging environment for people to operate in. This kind of environment doesn’t allow people to be at ease and relaxed. It’s a major obstacle to the development of teams and doesn’t assist people to be totally focused on producing their best results. It also has a detrimental impact on morale and motivation.

Leaders have a major responsibility to set the right tone and example for their people to follow. After setting clear goals and a sense of direction, I believe that at the top of every leader’s priorities should be to encourage greater team working and collaboration within teams.

A leader has a vital role in ensuring that they play to people’s strengths and to look to get the best out of every employee. It’s imperative they create environments and atmospheres that facilitate this.

Creating a climate of trust is essential and is the foundation of high performing teams. It’s important that you’re able to be able to count on your colleagues and team mates to be there for you if you require help.

All employees need to be encouraged to trust and appreciate the qualities and contributions of their colleagues. It’s also important that everyone has a clear understanding of their role, the main purpose of their job and how it contributes to team goals.

In addition to the above, I believe the following components make a positive contribution to building effective, productive and harmonious teams:-

  • Each member is willing to contribute to the successful results of the team
  • A relaxed climate exists which encourages honest and open communication within the team
  • Mistakes and challenges are discussed openly and team members do so without the fear of personal attack. This helps personal learning lessons to be gleaned
  • People are clear about where they are empowered to take decisions
  • New ideas and innovation are encouraged to help develop results and productivity

This week, why not pause for a few moments and think about the teams that you lead or are involved with personally and professionally. What action steps could you and your fellow team members take to increase the effectiveness and value of the team?

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk