Team dynamics can play a huge role in how successful you are at your job. Whether you are part of a team or manage a team, focusing on productivity as a whole is just as important as individual success. Getting a team to work well together is not always an easy task. It’s takes the right people and lot of time for everything to gel together. If you work on a team, here are 5 tips to maximize your productivity as a whole:
1. Forget about your titles.
When it comes to fostering teamwork, leave your titles at the door. It doesn’t matter who’s higher on the chain of command. Every member of the team should feel like their opinions are as valued as anyone else’s. Promote an open forum and encourage everyone to share their ideas. There’s no right or wrong answer and no one will get in trouble for having an opinion
2. Brainstorm together.
There’s no “I” in team. In order to tap into the full potential of everyone on a team, it’s good to often have brainstorming sessions. Ideas flow better when you have other people around you. You can feed off of each other’s ideas. You never know when one person’s perspective might help you come up with a wild but genius idea you otherwise wouldn’t have thought of.
3. Cut down unnecessary meetings.
More team meetings doesn’t necessarily mean increased productivity. Meetings with purpose can add value and drive your team in the right direction. But meeting just for the sake of having a meeting is often just a waste of time for everyone. Cut down on unnecessary meetings. Regroup when you must but give everyone on your team the opportunity to have time to work on their own parts of the project.
4. Collaborate effectively.
Everyone works best in different ways. Figure out how your team collaborates most effectively. While some people work best together in an office, others find teleconferencing even more efficient. It boils down to what type of project you are working on but think outside of the box when it comes to promoting collaboration and creativity.
5. Do a team building exercise.
Teamwork isn’t only developed in the office. Being able to work well with others also depends on how much you trust each other. Make it a habit to have regular team building exercises outside of the office. Even if it’s just for drinks, getting to know one another outside of work can really help promote productivity.
(via Curt Mercadante)
