Creating a cohesive team and a collaborative working atmosphere is a priceless investment that will pay off greatly in the long term. The reality is that since the pandemic, working has changed, and the once office-based atmosphere has adapted to allow for an increase in remote working. While many companies see massive benefits in efficiency and productivity, they’re also coming up against new challenges. One of the main challenges is navigating working relationships when not everyone is in the office.
But collaboration and teamwork aren’t guaranteed even if all your employees work from the same office. Whether you operate a fully office-based work schedule, a hybrid approach, or a fully remote team, creating cohesion is vital to allow you and your employees to achieve their full potential.
Training
First, you must look at what your employees need to do their jobs and if they have the knowledge and skills to complete their work efficiently. If just one person is thought to be slacking, others may have to step in to correct their mistakes. Or they may have to take over their workload. This can foster a culture of resentment and break down trust in the relationship. Ensure you have a complete training program and everyone can access the resources and equipment needed. It would be best also to consider the need for any on-the-job training. Instituting a viable training program allows employees to keep pushing forward and build on what they know.
Team Building
It should not be assumed that employees will get along. Different personalities can clash in any situation, and the work environment is no different. One way to combat this is to allow people to get to know each other outside the office. The more people know about each other, their lives, struggles, and personalities, the easier it will be to iron out any differences. It will also be easier to create a more productive team, even when they aren’t on the same page. Building trust and learning more about performance vs trust will allow you to create a more harmonious and positive workplace.
Transparency
Transparency in the workplace ensures everyone has the information they need to carry out their role. While they don’t need to know everything about the company, knowing what affects them or their work is something they need to be privy to. Create an open-door policy where you freely offer information required to do what they need to do. Also, allow the freedom to ask questions, clarify details, and get support and feedback when needed. By giving and receiving constructive feedback or criticism, you can empower your team to make better decisions, manage their workload, and quickly resolve issues that arise, knowing they can get the support they need.
A cohesive team isn’t something that happens overnight. It would be best if you were proactive in ensuring everyone is supported how they need to be. Be aware of the relationship dynamics in the workplace and how everyone comes together to create a cohesive team.
If you are considering developing workshops to strengthen your team, email us at cowens@infinitycoaching.net. We can discuss your needs and create a plan that aligns with your goals. A strong, cohesive team can make all the difference in your company’s success.
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership, and Mentor Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc., where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. Carolyn is certified to give the Energy Leadership Index and Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessments. You can learn more about assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
