Teamwork relies on some fundamental skills: master them and you will have a much easier path in front of you.
Today we are going to go through the most critical ones, but be assured, list is much longer than this one!
A team is made of collaboration
Cooperating with others is what sets successful teams apart. It is the creation of a perfect mix more than a set of soloists. Once mastered, the art of working together exponentially increases the effect of each action you as a manager are going to take and those of the team members as well. Remember: only a real collaborative environment counts, otherwise, if the mix is only in “screensaver mode”, acts as a derailer more than it does as an enabler.
Hearing is different from listening
Hearing is one thing, listening is another. Knowing how to grasp the messages of others allows you to perceive important sensations and adapt by responding in the best possible way. Force yourself (and teach the others) to grab the essence of the discussions and act on them rather than stopping at the superficial part or not processing the information gathered because is difficult to be dealt with.
Did I say “Communicate” enough times?
Nothing is more important than communicating. It is the lifeblood that distinguishes winning teams from ordinary ones. The information that circulates allows you to be aligned effortlessly, to always have allies by your side and to always have what is necessary to make timely decisions. The more you enforce this approach, more will be easier for everybody to be transparent and accountable.
Deal with conflict
Conflict in itself is not bad, but rather it is a time for team growth and development. It is important, however, that it ends at a certain moment, with an awareness of the result and that the team is able to go beyond the problem. If not properly managed, the risk is that it sediments, undermining the balance of relationships. and creating a climate of unreliability.
Manage the dark side of conversations
During conflict or in normal business it is important that managers and team members know how to have conversations that are not simple. It is a symptom of professional maturity and standing that will certainly be appreciated.
Relationships are crucial
Think about it. We spend most of the day at work. Personal relationships are a fundamental enabler and accelerator of work efficiency. Good relationships help the result and must be a goal to achieve. Just be aware that a good professional relationship is not being friend with your coworkers: this can come but is not helping to manage easily.
Building trust and respect
Without these elements there is no performance and there is no success. Trust makes you happy in facing challenges, respect strengthens the team in victory and defeat.
