Having worked with many teams in bigger as well as smaller organisations we see some very clear patterns of problems most teams face and the best ways to fix them.
Here are 5 problems most teams face:
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1 – On paper we are a team but in practice it doesn’t feel like we are one
No team unit. A group of individuals working together with limited overview of what´s going on in the team. Little or no synergies created between the team members
2 – There is little or no communication between us
The other team members have little or no overview over what their team members are working on. Because of a lack of communication as a team, there is little or no feeling of connection with the team
3 – There is little or no understanding of each other uniquenesses and contributions
Because we are working mostly as individuals in a group and not communicating, there is little understanding of each team members unique contributions to the team. There is little or no understanding of each others competencies and skills and what each of team member desire short as well as long term
4 – Roles are unclear
Because of the lack of communication and working together, it is also unclear how everyone should contribute for the greater good of the team. People often have titles or positions, but their role in the team is unclear
5 – We lack an overall direction
We know what we are working on this and next month, but there is a lack of overall direction. And because of this it is hard to prioritise, hard to set boundaries and hard to feel that we are on the right track
Solutions part 1: Getting the basics right
Have team meetings regularly
Bring the team together regularly. Have a clear structure for where and when you meet and make sure there is time for catching up as well as for people to bring up whatever is important to them right now
Share what’s going on and why regularly
In the team meetings and outside – make sure you share where the team and the company is at. Everyone wants to know what is going on in the company and in their team. Sharing status updates regularly makes everyone feel part of the team
Ask the team: ´Where are we at´?
As a team leader, and member, ask your colleagues where the team is at. How are we doing?
What´s working well and what´s not working so well. What´s worrying and annoying. What´s exciting and fun. Get to understand each other and get a regular feel of where you are at as a team
Listen to understand
Give space and time for every team member to express themselves. And politely but firmly interrupt those who take up all the airtime.
Stay open and curious – be ready to get to know your team members in completely new ways
Solutions part 2: Creating a shared ownership and commitment
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If you want to create something unique and strong that stands out from the rest, you need talented and committed people who feel part of your mission.
And the only way for them to feel part of that mission – is by actually letting them take part in the creation and development of it. To let everyone have a say and let everyone take part in the shaping of your shared future. And to learn so much about each other that you can work as an effective and well synchronised team.
Solution B is what we will cover in our course ´Building strong teams´
at The Canvas Cafe on September 27th.
If you would like to learn an effective structure for how to create shared ownership and commitment in your team, this is he course for you.
You will learn how to activate and engage your team and learn how to create commitment long term.
We will also share 10 steps for entrepreneurs to build strong teams and answer any questions you may have regarding building strong teams in your organisation.
We hope to see you there and if you have any questions about building strong teams in your organisation, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us!
