No matter what type of project you have going, you can only be as effective and successful as your team allows you to be. While there are myriad elements that affect your team, two of the most common issues project managers suffer from are poor communication and a lack of teamwork. Here are 10 ways to change that.
1. Be the Innovator
One excellent way to bolster teamwork is to be the innovator yourself. Share ideas, thoughts and suggestions – lead the way.
2. Delegate Correctly
Delegation is a learned skill and if you’re lacking here, it can have a direct impact on the amount of teamwork and communication you see. Learn how to delegate effectively.
3. Focus on Two-Way Communication
Communication between your team members and yourself should not be a one-way thing. Focus on creating a two-way conversation rather than a one-way flow of information.
4. Clarify Goals
One reason for a lack of teamwork and progress is a lack of clarity in terms of goals. Make sure you set clear expectations and clarify goals for each team member.
5. Offer Flexibility
Your team will work better when the environment is flexible, not rigid. Whether you need to work out different hours for specific team members or just realize that not everyone will agree with everything 100% of the time, flexibility is the key to success.
6. Foster Group Membership
Each person on your team must be an invested member of the group. Foster a sense of being part of something larger than themselves. This creates a sense of belonging, loyalty and commitment for your team.
7. Be Compassionate
It can be tough to exercise compassion at times, but it’s vital that you are kind to each team member at all times. Even when disciplining a member, you’ll need to use a softer touch than you might think. Don’t be “lenient”, but don’t be harsh either.
8. Negativity Kills
Negativity is unavoidable in many instances, but be aware that it can kill teamwork. If you notice negativity in your team, take immediate steps to rectify the situation. Get to the root of the problem and make whatever changes are necessary to reverse that trend.
9. Check the Load
In order for your team to work together effectively, there can be no resentment concerning someone having a lighter workload than someone else. Make sure that each team member has the equivalent workload. If one person’s is heavier than others, delegate some of it to additional team members.
10. Rules, Rules, Rules
While flexibility is essential, it’s also vital that there is some structure. Chaos and anarchy don’t really result in a good team environment. Make sure that you have a set of ground rules in place, and that each team member has clearly delineated responsibilities.
By following these simple tips, you can improve communication, teamwork and weld those disparate people into a single unit. Your team can become successful, and your project can run much more smoothly.