How to Build Strong Teams

Teamwork. It makes the world - and businesses - go round. Yet it is easily the most underestimated part of any company. Teamwork is often overlooked in favor of flashier corporate concerns, such as capital, marketplace setting, and innovations. However, the most influential businesses rely on solid teams as their foundation.

A team is essentially a microcosm of the company. Therefore, a successful team leads to a successful company. Finding (or building) an effective team takes time and effort, yet it can certainly be done. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Become a Better Leader

Naturally, the first step in this process is to become a better leader. Even the best team in the world will be held back by a poor leader. In other words, to help your team reach its full potential, you must first master your leadership skills.

For example, an effective leader knows how to delegate, won’t micromanage, and will treat their team members respectfully. This helps build a trust-based relationship, taking the team further than the alternative. Don’t be afraid to look into other leadership tips to help up your game.

Define the Roles

In any team, there will be certain people responsible for specific tasks. That is generally the most efficient way to handle a given set of functions. Likewise, each team member will have their own skill set, which will likely vary from the rest of the team.

It is beneficial to define your team's roles clearly. Assign tasks to each team member, ideally leaning on their strengths to ensure quality work. It is essential to have open communication during this process, so tasks and assignments may be adjusted accordingly.

Feedback

Feedback is another critical part of running a successful team. Even the best employee wants to hear how they’re doing. To give the best feedback, learn how to offer constructive feedback. Likewise, don’t forget to praise an employee for good work. An employee who only hears from their boss when something is wrong will quickly become discouraged.

Remember that feedback goes both ways. To become a better leader as part of the team, you must be ready and willing to accept feedback from the group. Be open to their ideas and suggestions, and take them to heart.

Rewards

As mentioned briefly in the previous point, an effective leader can’t only give out critical and constructive feedback, not without a cost. The best leaders know when to praise their team. More importantly, they learn to look for these moments.

The simple truth is that people love affirmation. It’s okay to remind your team (regularly) that they are doing a good job. This will encourage them to continue the good work and remind them they are appreciated.

Set Goals

Setting goals is how we improve. It clearly defines what success looks like and gives us something to strive for. The same is true for working with a team! The best teams share common goals, which they can work towards together.

Having a shared goal serves another purpose. Shared goals encourage the team to work together, and ultimately collaborative behaviors are what you want to promote.

Support

An effective and happy team supports one another. This is the goal - to have a team that can work together and helps each other out. Not only does this increase productivity, but it also reduces turnover rates.

You can easily start this support trend by stepping up and supporting your team members. Is somebody struggling with a particular task? How about their home life - is there something troubling there? Being there and willing to help and listen can make all the difference.