Thought Leaders

How To Improve Teamwork

Whether office-based, working from home or on a construction site, teamwork and communication are crucial elements of a business. They always have been, and it’s safe to say that they always will be.

However, teamwork is not something that magically happens. It requires time spent together. It demands respect between your employees, and it needs to be nurtured. If your team is struggling to work together wherever they are, here are four ways you can improve teamwork. 

Diversify Communication Options 

There is such a range of communication options available that it seems neglectful not to make the most of them. From the classic walkie-talkies to Slack or even telephones from liGo, you have a wealth of choices available.

The more reliable your communication options, the better your teamwork will become. It will prevent misunderstandings and it allows your team to get in touch with each other wherever they are, whenever they need, which means you can solve problems faster than ever. 

Encourage Out-of-Office Activities 

 

Yes, out-of-office activities often come with rolling eyes and a groan. But, these needn’t be the cliche corporate retreats that no one ever looks forward to. As a manager, you need to step back and allow your team to bond naturally.

Encourage them to hang out after work in a non-professional setting, as this helps them get to know one another. From here, they will develop bonds that encourage them to go above and beyond for one another, and this can only be a good thing for your projects. 

Outline Everyone’s Role On Projects 

Everyone should have a unique role when assigning projects. This will give them all the information they need to get started. However, if the team is unbalanced, there’s the risk that someone will try to do it all, getting in the way of others and disrupting the flow. While they may have good intentions, this can severely impact the success of the project.

So, you must outline everybody’s role and encourage them to stick to it. Doing so creates a well-oiled machine and gives everyone a focus. If someone finishes before others, then they can assist, but only if they have completed their duties. 

Get Feedback

If you’re new to project management, it’s unlikely that you hit the target the first time. As a professional, you want to find ways to improve every day, so don’t forget to ask for feedback from your team to find out what worked and what didn’t.

Once you learn what they think, either anonymously or not, you can implement their advice into the next project. The more you learn, the better you will become, and the more efficient your next project will be. 

Make the Dream Work

You should expect professionals to work together without any problems. But, this doesn’t always go to plan. Personalities and egos can clash, some voices and opinions will overwhelm others, and this can cause significant issues when trying to work as a team.

Using these tools helps your team work together effectively, and ensures growth and success for your business. 

PM Today Contributor
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