Recently, some of the Executive Connections team went along to Adventure Rooms Dublin organised by our Sports & Social Committee. The visit came after multiple recommendations from friends that this wasn’t just a “team building” activity, it had the potential to become a new hobby. With no idea what to expect and no hints we went along to see what it was all about. Trivia, thinking out loud and talking things out, we quickly got down to business when locked in a room with only one instruction – GET OUT.
We believe we are a great team here at Executive Connections and this was displayed within the rooms as we navigated our way through them. Afterwards, those of our colleagues who couldn’t attend wanted to know what it was all about… How did we perform? Who was the best? Did a natural leader step up?
Since then, I have thought about how we display the traits used within the rooms on a somewhat lesser scale every day. Teamwork in a work setting is integral and so the list below features four top ways to guarantee your team’s approach is seamless.
1. Communication is vital
Without communication a team is destined to fail. When faced with the challenge of escaping, if we did not have the necessary communication skills we would probably be still in there! We quickly became aware of where individual’s strengths lay depending on the task we were working on. We were able to crack codes and solve problems by voicing opinions out loud. With a number of opinions in the mix we often found ourselves having moments of realisation as a group progressing quickly on to the next task collectively. Encouraging this kind of open dialogue in work can yield brilliant results, giving employees a real sense of empowerment, particularly when it comes to solving problems all the while strengthening the team’s bond and leading to great outcomes.
2. Assign tasks in a clear manner
Ultimately a team will have one end goal but it is a number of small tasks that will lead to the desired result. Each team member needs to be aware of the specific role they play on the path to achieving the end goal. Team leaders need to be specific when delegating responsibilities. Tasks should be specific with those responsible 100% sure of what is expected of them, both in quality of work and the time in which it should be completed. Not only is it important for team members to be aware of their own tasks but ensuring the whole team is aware of other member’s roles will lead to a more cohesive team.
3. Build a team with a positive dynamic
For a team to be highly successful, the dynamic needs to be a positive one. Hire team members who you can guarantee are a good cultural fit and will complement the skills of those who already work there. Encourage openness, honesty and creativity. Team meetings should be an open forum for ideas, with members being aware that their suggestions are valued and considered. Ensure teams know that all concepts are welcome and create an environment where it is better to voice an eccentric idea rather than withholding it.
4. Monitor and evaluate team performance
Placing emphasis on team performance can create a healthy work environment. It should be included in everyone’s job description and also closely monitored by management. We also recommend evaluating teamwork regularly, both the team as a whole and the individual’s role within the team. Include it in performance reviews and always look for ways to improve it. By evaluating teamwork, it shows employees how valued it is and also how vital it is to the company’s success. Rewarding great teamwork is also a simple way to further encourage it. Team lunches, financial incentives or even just public acknowledgement within the company of a job well done exhibits its importance.
Do you have any more suggestions or tips for creating a great team? Let us know by tweeting us over on Twitter.
