Learn How To Work Effectively in a Business Team

This is a question on the lips of business leaders as parts of the world begin to emerge from lockdown. One thing hasn't changed despite so much uncertainty. Most organizations have responded to COVID-19 by doubling down on their human resources.

Already, it is making a difference. Ninety percent of companies believe their cultures have improved by working remotely, according to a recent study. Employee Experience will continue to be a priority as remote work becomes a return-to-work option.

Making sure employees are empowered to collaborate in highly effective ways is one-way organizations can positively influence wider EX. Because of the uncertainty about the global pandemic, companies will have to figure out how to deal with this challenge for employees working full-time on-site, working full-time from home, or combining the two.

How to improve teamwork skills

Some tips for improving teamwork skills were important before remote work became common, and they remain relevant as some parts of the world begin to return to the workplace.

1. Clarify your team's goals and mission

The shared mission must be understood and accepted by all members, above their own interests. Leading clearly and compellingly is a leader's responsibility. Success is less likely to be achieved without it. What is the importance of setting individual targets? Sure. Teamwork can only succeed if everyone commits to a common goal. It starts falling apart when someone's ego exceeds the shared purpose in some of the most successful rock bands in history.

2. Identify roles clearly

Everyone in the team should know their roles and responsibilities, as well as their strengths, and be confident about them.

You need to make pragmatic decisions about team size and structure. It's not enough to rely on a few key individuals and some luck. Too little experience, thinking styles and behaviours will make your team unbalanced. Having too many people on a team may lead to people becoming lazy and more likely to groupthink. If a team structure isn't working, it helps to set some boundaries. This way, you can respond quickly if the structure isn't working. As an example, you might decide to impose a strict limit on the number of team members, meaning that if someone joins, someone else must leave, preventing the team from becoming unwieldy. Keeping the mixture of ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders varied is also important.

3. Engage ineffective communication

The recent explosion of remote working has increased the importance of communication in teamwork. Many people are returning to the workplace while others continue to work from home, creating new challenges and opportunities.

The fact that we are geographically separated can impact our communication as we receive fewer non-verbal cues. Richard Hackman highlighted the issue of incomplete information in his article on the secrets of great teamwork. They use non-verbal and contextual cues to elaborate on what's going on in face-to-face teams. This quality can be excelled if one pursues business management courses online and a diploma in businessmanagement online. 

The sense of camaraderie that is built by famous bands and sports teams can be attributed to good communication.

4. Resolve conflicts

Conflict occurs occasionally on all teams. Effectively managing and resolving conflict is the key to success. You can once again demonstrate leadership by dealing with conflict promptly and empathically as it arises. When conflict arises, it is essential to refocus on the shared goal(s) of the team.

5. Reward teamwork and recognize it

Knowing when a team is succeeding is crucial. In addition to extrinsic rewards - such as bonuses - you can also recognize good performance with intrinsic rewards, such as praise from senior leaders. This will reinforce a sense of team cohesion if you make it clear that rewards are for the whole team.

6. Foster an environment of openness and trust

There are many traditional team-building activities that focus on trust, whether it's setting up a tent blindfolded or having people stare into each other's eyes. Trust is a prerequisite for team success, so there's a good reason for this. Your teams will struggle to communicate efficiently and solve problems if they don't.

By encouraging people to speak freely without fear of a snarky or angry response, trust will begin to build. When people are less afraid of speaking up, insights and creativity will also begin to flow.

When it comes to team-building days, the American Psychological Association recommends that you concentrate on improving interpersonal relationships, clarifying roles, and increasing problem-solving skills.

7. Offer constructive criticism

A skill is giving effective feedback. Unfortunately, most people struggle with it. However, practice makes perfect. If teams receive constructive feedback, they will grow and develop much faster than if they are only criticized or left to wonder how they are doing.

8. Be responsible

Is it important for your team members to carry out their responsibilities when working on team projects? Provide examples. This quality can be excelled if one pursues business management courses online and a diploma in business management online. It is important to know what your role entails and doesn't entail, and to accept responsibility for mistakes and successes as well. You shouldn't blame others if you see your people doing it.

9. Accountability for everyone

To be accountable, the team must have clearly defined roles, and people must know their roles and responsibilities.

By accepting where things don't go as planned and celebrating team successes, leaders can demonstrate accountability. Employees feel more comfortable taking risks if their leaders are accountable. Be supportive of those who disagree with you and value differences of opinion.