Teamwork, where change happens.

If you do not have teamwork, you do not have a business.

It does not matter if you work with established colleagues, new recruits, senior management, owners, contractors or long term clients, teamwork is what makes your business tick.

But you do not all have to get along. In fact, challenge and change is good for a business. I am not talking about waring factions who can bring a business down. I am saying beware recruiting in your own image.

It is a challenge to ensure that teamwork is fundamental to your business. Good members of staff take pride in their work and want to deliver. It is natural to look for like-minded people to help achieve that.

Therein lies the issue of challenge. Can we work better, can we be more efficient, can we save money and make money? All of these questions should be enshrined in the concept of teams working in a business.

For teamwork to work, investment is required. The following areas need to be addressed:

• Everyone buys into the business plan
• Delegation
• Team meetings
  • Agendas
  • Action responsibilities
  • Timed duration
  • Meeting notes
• Next meeting item 1: 'Actions from last time'
• Training
• Team Building
• Open door management philosophy
• Always back to the business plan

In highly political organisations, such as local Councils, you would hear "control the agenda, control the meeting". This used to drive me mad! It was the talk of the Empire Builder, the Control Freak; two individuals who rarely operate for the good of the business.

Implementing a culture of teamwork and maintaining it takes time. At times it feels like a leap of faith, however ultimately you will end up with more content employees who feel part of something. This in turn will help with staff retention.

Outside of the challenges around a focused business plan, delegation and meeting management there are some nice and fluffy team building activities to implement. They will tell you which members of your staff are more open to work in a team and most importantly which members work well together.

Over the years I've experienced team building activities such as: Bread making, GoApe, Go Karting, Cocktail mixing and Escape Rooms. It sounds like a hen party! However ensure that leadership are observing all interactions and you will be pleasantly surprised with where you can take relationship between colleagues back to the business.

You may want to consider including key contractors and clients in your team building activities.

I asked AI what they thought about teamwork and as usual the results do not disappoint:

Basic Principles of Teamwork:

1. Clear Goals and Roles: Team members should have a shared understanding of the team's objectives and their individual roles within the team.
2. Communication: Open, honest, and effective communication is essential for sharing ideas, providing feedback, and resolving conflicts.
3. Trust and Respect: Team members must trust each other's abilities, respect diverse perspectives, and collaborate in a supportive environment.
4. Collaboration and Cooperation: Working together, pooling skills, and leveraging collective strengths lead to better outcomes.
5. Accountability: Each team member is responsible for their contributions and commitments to the team's goals.

Fostering Teamwork:

1. Team Building Activities: Encourage activities that promote trust, communication, and collaboration among team members.
2. Clear Expectations: Ensure everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and how their work contributes to the team's goals.
3. Effective Leadership: Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for teamwork, fostering a positive environment, and guiding the team towards success.
4. Training and Development: Provide opportunities for skill development, coaching, and training to enhance teamwork capabilities.

Benefits of Teamwork in Business:

1. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Diverse perspectives and collaborative efforts often lead to innovative solutions and ideas.
2. Increased Productivity: Teams can accomplish more collectively than individuals working alone, leveraging each other's strengths.
3. Improved Problem-Solving: Teams can tackle complex problems by combining different viewpoints and expertise.
4. Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: Working in a supportive team environment boosts morale and job satisfaction.
5. Better Decision-Making: Teams can make more informed decisions by drawing on the varied experiences and knowledge of its members.

In modern business, teamwork has become integral to success. It fosters a sense of belonging, encourages diverse thinking, and enables organisations to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

If you have got this far, you may be concerned about teamwork within your business, if so, please get in touch.