7 tips to help your team move forward as one
‘Team collaboration’ is the basic mantra of modern’s business. It increases the efficiency of any team and minimises overwork by fairly distributing all tasks between team members.
Collaboration can be beneficial and challenging at the same time. Teamwork makes it simpler for everyone in the team to overcome difficulties and accomplish the same objective. However, making each member feel included, valued as a group member, and a part of a collective is not always a simple task for any team leader.
At Magic Map, we’ve been practising collaborative working for many years and have accumulated some key ideas to help you and your team move forward as one.
1. Get to know each team member personally
Do you have any idea what your coworkers’ lives are like outside of work? Who is significant to them in their everyday lives? What do they like to do for fun?
Taking the time to share personal experiences may help you and your team break down barriers and establish trust.
2. Communicate often
Of course, it goes without saying that you should communicate with your team on a frequent basis. Especially if you’re used to working in an office, working from home during COVID-19 might bring feelings of loneliness and isolation.
It’s vital for each member to feel connected with the team. One option? Create short threads and discuss everyday topics such as the latest Netflix series or football results.
3. Have a daily check-in
Maintain regular quick check-ins, either in person, through video call, or via phone. The aim of the daily check-in is basic and straightforward: set the agenda and provide the feedback and resources that your team members need.
Also, don’t forget to have some fun with your coworkers and make time for laughter and casual talks to relieve tension and build a strong relationship with your team.
4. Clarify your objectives and expectations
Setting objectives and expectations for your team members is essential for getting the most out of them. If you don’t understand the big picture of your project, there’s a slim chance you’ll take it seriously and finish it on time.
As a team leader, you must clearly define all goals and who is responsible for achieving them. Remember that expectations can only be met if all team members understand what’s expected of them.
5. Provide structure
Structure is always crucial when working as a team, especially if you work from home or in a hybrid setting. When teammates are separated from one another, they may feel isolated and lack direction.
Team collaboration requires project management solutions that enable everyone to log in from anywhere, access schedules, and receive real-time updates and notifications.
6. Take advantage of technology
Once face-to-face contact isn’t an option, online collaboration tools such as chat applications and project management software are excellent solutions for any team that needs to work on the move.
Use tools that make it easy for everyone to communicate with each other, and teamwork will be a little bit easier. When it comes to cooperation and communication, platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams are significantly superior to email and text messaging.
7. Celebrate success
It’s always essential to celebrate accomplishments, but particularly so when facing turbulence. That’s when the pat on the shoulder and sense of achievement can make a huge difference.
As you reach the milestones, congratulate yourself and your work buddies. Speak out and say thank you. It’s important to be proud of your team and to let them know it.