I can honestly say that I am very lucky to work with a team that has a very strong bond. To make our team stronger, I would suggest trust games to strengthen that bond. Something as simple as eating lunch together can make a huge impact on team building. The simple art of laughing together can make a big difference. One of the aspects that I have found in team building is being able to know staff members moods, emotions (on a professional level of course) to be able to tell when they may not be in the best mood to talk through a problem, etc. If you were to approach a staff member that is somewhat angry about something, the problem will only escalate. This knowledge can be used to your advantage though. For example, a staff member is having a bad day but you know that they love a certain type of candy. Simply leaving a twix bar on their day can make their day better. Another example would be to make them laugh. Team building has many different layers. At its best, team building requires being able to make things happen for the company. To do this, there must be harmony among the staff members. Staff members must be able to talk to each other, laugh together and find ways to help each other grow. The examples I have given may seem simple, but the impact is huge.
K.C., Thank you for sharing. Can you expand on how these traits will make your team stronger?
Dr. Jean Norris
Trait 1 Commitment
Trait 2 Appreciation
Trait 3 Time Together
Trait 4 Communication
Trait 5 Religion
Trait 6 Sense of Humor
Trait 7 Share of Responsibility
Trait 8 Common Interests
Trait 9 Service to Others
Trait 10 Seek to Help
Connie,
Great awareness and so true. Thank you for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
I think that all members of a team need to feel that they have added something positive to a project. Positive feedback is also important. Always try to thank each member individually for their contribution. I know that i always feel good when someone recognizes my hard work!
I agree! How can you help to create this type of atmosphere Leon?
Dr. Jean Norris
To create a stronger team you want to have a team that values it's members as well as foster an environment that allow team members to express their opionions.
That's great Darless. Taking the time to reflect and make self-improvements is a great practice. Thanks for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
Yes I agree I am going to do some self reflection and try to become a more active listener to my team.
A strong personal relationship. Complementary skills.Building your team wisely is perhaps the most important thing you can do to increase your chances of success, but it can also be one of the hardest.
Nydia,
Good points. What are some things that you specifically do?
Dr. Jean Norris
You need to create a team atmosphere within your department to get a group of individuals to think as one positive team, they also have to see you as a positive, good spirited and motivated hard worker.
Having a leader with a vision can certainly help your team move forward, however respect is something that comes from within each person and can exist even without strong leadership. Sometimes all it takes is a strong team member to model the behaviors and others begin to follow. How can you demonstrate respect for your teammates?
Dr. Jean Norris
Our problem at our school is a lack of respect for each other's role and experience. There is no trust within the team. To make a team stronger you need a leader and then the team will to towards the right path.
You bring up a great point Kim, accountability is very important when working as a team. Let us know how things work out with your new team.
I just joined a new team and this question is extremely timely. I am in observation mode looking for strengths but I am also asking individuals what do they feel others feel they do best or receive good feedback. I want to share with the team the roles we need to complete the next task. When sharing those roles, I will share what kind of activities and competencies are best to help the entire team. I will ask that we as a team, rely on the best person to complete the task and have them sign that the task meets the standards. Accountability is key to establishing trust.
Great awareness and so true, a lack of communication can certainly lead to misinterpretation. What has been your experience with encouraging teamwork at your institution?
communication is the key to all situations, when there's lack of communication, that leaves room for interpreting the wrong message
I get the sense that you approach in a collaborative manner and that you involve the entire team in efforts to strengthen the team. How does this improve morale?
I would identify our strengths and weakness and work toward solutions to share with my team so we can move forward in a positive manner.
