Seven Tips to Build an Effective Team
You probably either lead a team or work on a team, but do you know how to build an effective team?
Too often, a team is weak and a project fails because each individual thinks
only about himself or herself.
If you build an effective team instead of working individually,
more innovative, satisfying results can be achieved.
Here are seven tips for building an effective team:
Select a Good Leader
Choose someone who is an impressive manager and an excellent communicator,
as well as someone who has strong skills appropriate to the project.
Just Say 'Yes!' to the Project
Discuss the project together as a team. Allow the team to brainstorm and ask questions.
Try to incorporate their ideas into the project, and then ask team members to
sign a contract saying they are committed to the success of the project.
Make Goals Clear
Write them down. Email them. Post them on the wall. Text, blog and talk
about them throughout the project. Establish a contest, and reward people
for showing how they've achieved a task.
Promote Skills
Each project has many different tasks; each team member has a different
and unique set of skills. Discover what each team member can do, assigning
them to the appropriate task. Together, you'll have a full skill set that
can be used to expertly complete every task on the project.
Work Together
Although each person has unique skills, everyone should cooperate on the
project. Encourage people to work with one another, instead of solely on
their own, by pairing them and requiring that they accomplish a specific
task together. Teamwork pays off!
Communicate
Did I mention team members should talk to one another? As the project
continues, discuss what's already been accomplished. Describe problems
you're experiencing and how to solve them; you can always find a better
idea, a better way of doing things. Use project management software to keep everyone informed.
Work Hard, Play Hard
Find ways after work to socialize, such as eating dinner together or
a week away for team-building activities and games. Socializing helps
team members get to know one another better so they can anticipate
everyone's actions and needs on the project.
Put these seven top tips into practice, and you'll find your team is
functioning more effectively and working together more happily. Good luck!