Global Workplace & Sustainable Business Model Blog

Flip the Switch on Teamwork

Growing Your Business | Global Strategic Management Solutions

"The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it."

~Theodore Roosevelt

 

There are many methods and models for fostering a cohesive, effective team. Any of them could work well in your organization. Perhaps you have tried a few theories and have come up with some of your own "teamwork best practices" that are particularly helpful for you and your team members.

 

Regardless of the steps you use to facilitate a successful team, one trait that crosses all teamwork methods is employee involvement. If you can effectively include the team at each step of the way, you will retain employees and foster an environment that motivates participants to contribute and invest in the cause.

 

The how of involving team members is often the most challenging part of the process; once you get them involved, you will be on your way. Successful employee involvement comes from following a continuum that leads to decreased influence by you, the leader, and increased influence and decision- making power by the team members.

 

First, communicate and sell your idea. The supervisor makes the decision and announces it to staff, providing complete direction. Gain commitment from team members by "selling" the positive aspects of the plan.

 

Now, confer, invite others to join and delegate. Even though the leader retains authority to make the final decision, she still invites input. Let employees know that their input is needed but final authority still rests with the manager. Follow this up by inviting team members to make the decision with the supervisor. At this stage, the supervisor considers his voice equal in the decision process.

 

At this point, the supervisor turns the decision over to the team. Successful delegation has a built in feedback loop and concrete timeline.  Voila! Now watch your team take off. Learn more about creating effective teams and ensuring effective communications.