An organization is its people. Almost any organization’s vision will succeed if the people who work for it are motivated to make it happen.
One of the best strategies for motivating employees is teamwork. Effective teams develop active problem-solving strategies that go beyond talking and involve real action. In a team that functions well, performance is not based on the individual, but on the final product the entire team generates.
It can be challenging to develop an effective team in uncertain economic times. Many employees become fearful or demoralized during a tenuous economy due to the potential for downsizing. Business leaders must decide whether to adapt their leadership styles and embrace teamwork, or maintain a reactive philosophy and possibly fail.
A contractor can develop strong teams in several ways:
- Be true to the company’s mission statement. It is surprising how many companies fail to follow their missions. What is the organization about? Why are its services worth buying? If a proposed tactic does not align with the mission, it should not be carried out.
- Set goals. First, the goals must align with the mission. Second, the goals need to be measurable. For instance, instead of saying the company will increase sales from the previous year, specify a measurable goal, such as: The company will increase sales by $50,000 by the end of the fiscal year.
- Create a plan. To develop an effective team, a company must have an action plan that spells out the team’s mission and goals, and the strategy for accomplishing these goals. The plan also must state each individual’s responsibilities on the team and how he is held accountable for specific action items. The action items should be assigned to the team member who can best accomplish each item. Too many managers hand out action items without taking into account skill sets and personalities, which can result in failure and frustration.
- Communicate. Keeping the lines of communication open helps team members believe in themselves and their ability to help the team as a whole. In order to be an effective team, employees must be confident, and confidence stems from open communication. Inform team members of any developments or changes in the company that could impact their performance or completion of the team plan.
- Periodically review performance. Check to make sure the team is effectively accomplishing its goals. Review the plan and make any necessary adjustments. Also, it’s crucial to provide performance-based feedback.
Building an effective team in today’s environment is challenging, but it can be rewarding. Not only will it help raise morale and instill confidence in employees, but it also is a purposeful way to develop the organization. Plus, it will be rewarding to look back and show the team how much it accomplished during a difficult time.