You arrive at work one day, and your boss says, “I have a significant project for you. It’s a top priority. Success will save the company. Here’s what you need to produce.” She hands you a file folder marked “Project Ajax.” She says, “It’s all in there. I’m assigning ten employees to you. You must deliver what we need in six weeks. Good luck!”
You call a meeting of your Project Ajax team. A quick survey reveals they have never worked together before. They are of varying abilities and personalities. They sit there, looking at you, waiting for guidance.
Where do you begin?
Training employees to work together as a cohesive team toward a common goal requires a structured approach that blends skills development, communication strategies, and positive, empathetic leadership. Here’s the 8-point guide to effectively develop a winning team.
-
Define the Common Goal
Individually and collectively, team members need to understand and believe in what they’re working toward. Define the objective in terms that have meaning to the individual members. Ensure each team member understands how their role contributes to the larger goal. Explain how success will benefit the company, its stakeholders, and its employees.
-
Determine Team Member Skill Sets and Attitudes
If your team is genuinely a “mixed bag,” you must assess each member’s skills and personality. You can do this by reviewing employee records and simply talking to them. Remember, a high skill level does not necessarily equal a good team member—their attitude is just as important.
-
Establish Team Roles and Responsibilities
Based on your assessment and the conversations, make task assignments. The project must be broken down into small sprints (to use the scrum term) with measurable daily outcomes. Each team member should know their responsibilities and how they interact with others. Set clear expectations for performance and deadlines. Make it clear that you’re looking for team success, not individual superstars.
-
Promote Open Communication
Encourage open, honest communication to build trust among team members. Set up regular check-ins through daily stand-ups, weekly meetings, or team huddles to track progress and address challenges. Remind employees to listen to one another and actively respect diverse viewpoints. The best way to do this is by setting the example yourself. Team members will model your behavior.
-
Quickly and Decisively Resolve Conflicts
Encourage employees to manage conflicts constructively by focusing on facts, not personal feelings, and emphasizing resolution over blame. Create a culture where feedback is encouraged and seen as an opportunity for growth. Again, you must lead by example. Always remain cheerful, and settle differences fairly. If you’re stuck with a team member who cannot function appropriately, ask your boss to have them promptly removed. It’s better to have fewer highly motivated people than even one extra person who is a drag on the group.
-
Focus Relentlessly on the Goal
Seek innovation, but don’t get sidetracked. Encourage team members to contribute ideas and solutions, giving them a sense of ownership over the process and outcomes. Evaluate every idea and quickly judge whether it adds value to the project. Accept or reject it, sincerely thank the person, and move on.
-
Provide Ongoing Support and Resources
Ensure employees can access appropriate tools and resources, such as project management software or communication platforms, that facilitate teamwork. You must advocate for them in this area and insist that management provides the necessary investment. To keep the team growing and motivated, offer ongoing development opportunities in leadership, communication, or technical skills.
-
Track Progress and Make Adjustments
Assess the team’s progress toward the goal regularly using key performance indicators (KPIs) or pre-established milestones. Flexibly refine strategies or processes based on feedback or unforeseen challenges.
By focusing on these eight action items, you can organize and develop a group of employees to collaborate effectively and work toward a common goal, fostering productivity and a sense of unity and shared success.
