The success of any company largely depends on the well-coordinated work of its team. Understanding each employee’s needs and motivations helps create a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and is ready to contribute to achieving common goals. This is especially important for managers, as effective interaction within the team increases productivity and contributes to the company's development.
1. Trust is the foundation of teamwork
Without trust, it is impossible to build an effective team. When people feel that their contribution is valued and they can be relied on, they work harder. Imagine that your boss always shares plans openly and accepts feedback. This creates an atmosphere of transparency and mutual support that increases everyone's productivity.
Moreover, if there is no trust in the team, everyone works in their corner for fear of losing control or being criticized. Trust is the foundation on which teamwork is built: the stronger it is, the more confident the team is in moving forward. You can find more tips on how to build a strong trust foundation in a team in our The Five Dysfunctions of a Team book summary.
2. There must be no fear of conflict or debate within a team
It may sound ironic to most people, but conflict is not always a bad thing. New ideas and innovative solutions emerge when employees are not afraid to express their opinions and openly discuss them. Imagine a situation where your colleague disagrees with a decision and is not afraid to say so at a meeting. Such openness will help you find a better solution and avoid potential mistakes.
When workers aren’t afraid of conflict, it creates an atmosphere where everyone can speak up without fear of being judged. In such a team, different points of view become valuable elements for making informed decisions. A good example of this is Apple, whose culture is based on constant debate about new products.
3. Supporting employees when they work remotely is key
Remote employee engagement can challenge team cohesion. However, companies that provide support and flexible conditions for such employees demonstrate that they care. Let's say your company has organized regular video meetings where colleagues can discuss not only work-related issues but also share news from their lives.
This helps people feel like they are part of the team, even at a distance. Support for remote work also includes providing technical resources and ensuring constant communication. This, in turn, helps to avoid feelings of isolation. In this way, you can break the stereotype that remote work is less effective than office work. You can read more about it in our Remote book summary.
4. Regular anonymous feedback from employees leads to team engagement
Anonymous feedback is a great way to find out what employees think. Very often, we are afraid to express our opinions at work, as it could somehow affect the way we are treated by our bosses. However, when the boss creates a survey, for example, every month, so everyone can express their ideas and concerns without fear, it helps identify blind spots and improve work processes.
Employees who see that their opinions are valued and affect change feel important in the company. Regular surveys allow you to promptly identify dissatisfaction or problems, contributing to a healthy work environment and team engagement.
5. Organize team building and networking events
Teamwork creates a strong bond between employees, but it is often informal communication that helps them develop bonds. Team building activities are a great way to strengthen team communication and cooperation. But if you think that team building is only about games and quests, you are wrong. Colleagues can participate in a volunteer project or a cooking class together. Such events create new shared memories that bring people together outside of work tasks.
Networking within the company also helps not only to strengthen professional ties but also to share knowledge. It can be both formal team-building events and informal meetings where everyone can get to know their colleagues better. It is an excellent idea to organize a get-to-know-you meeting where each employee can talk about their hobbies, interests, and vision for the future.
6. Encourage team members to develop their skills
Every team member has strengths and potential for development. One of the company’s main tasks is to recognize these strengths and encourage employees to develop them. For instance, the company can help employees find and attend courses or conferences to improve their skills. This not only develops their professional skills but also adds motivation to work for a company that invests in their development.
When a company supports the professional growth of its employees, it contributes to creating a strong and competent team. Skill development not only improves individual performance but also increases the overall competitiveness of the company.
7. Mutual respect is one of the greatest values
Mutual respect is the basis for harmonious cooperation in any team. When employees feel valued and listened to, it motivates them to deliver the best results. Imagine that your colleague came up with a new idea, and even if others disagree with it, they still respect their point of view. This allows a person to grow and not be afraid to share new thoughts.
In addition, mutual respect reduces tension in the team and helps avoid unnecessary conflicts. In a respectful team, it is easier to discuss complex issues, find compromises, and solve problems. When people feel comfortable in an environment where they are listened to and not criticized without reason, they are more likely to participate in team projects and share their experiences openly. This creates an atmosphere of trust and cooperation that increases employee engagement. Check out our summary Radical Candor to find out more about how to build good relationships with your team.
8. Create a team mindset based on the company's values
A team mindset is a shared vision that helps unite the efforts of all team members. If all employees share the company's values, it greatly simplifies communication and decision-making. For example, a company that values innovation and development encourages its employees to be open to new ideas and not fear taking risks. This creates a culture where everyone understands why experimentation is necessary and looks for new solutions.
When the company's values become the basis for daily work, all efforts are directed in the same direction, which allows you to achieve success faster. Imagine working in a team where everyone adheres to the principles of openness, transparency, and mutual support. This not only helps avoid conflicts but also creates a powerful synergy where each member is ready to contribute to the common cause.
Increasing team engagement is an ongoing process that requires attention and creativity. By investing in team building and creating opportunities for interaction, the company not only increases productivity but also promotes trust and cohesion among employees. It's important to remember that each team is unique, so the activities chosen should consider the team’s needs and interests.
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