Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. -Michael Jordan
Did you watch the epic film Apollo 13 by Ron Howard? The Apollo 13 is a perfect example of how a well-coordinated team can bring about miracles. The essence of the movie is “Failure is not an option,” which is showcased by the rational leadership of technicians and astronauts during a crisis. With Teamwork and ingenuity, the characters in the movie manage to take control of an explosion that occurs on the Apollo 13 craft. The movie Apollo 13 succeeds in showing that leaders can create wonders only if they are able to secure the confidence of their team.
“Want to become a leader who gets things done? If yes, then stop using email to manage work and switch to ProofHub.”
This holds true not only in movies and the fiction world but also in the real business scenario. Ask a manager or team leader about one thing that makes his projects work. And the answer will be none other than ‘’teamwork’. Yes, read it right.
It is teamwork which can help you accomplish big projects and survive even the worst business challenges. Moreover, if you are running a startup then you cannot even think of achieving your goals without teamwork. This article will guide you about effective strategies and techniques, you can use to Improve Teamwork in your startup business.
1. Set an Example
If you want to build a hardworking and highly productive team then the best way to achieve that is by setting an example. You must take up all the roles and responsibilities that you want your team members to do.
2. Build Mutual Trust and Respect
“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” — STEPHEN R. COVEY
Mutual trust and respect among employees and management is very important to build a strong team. Trust helps teams to understand each other and the requirements of a project and move ahead in coordination with each other.
3. Encourage Open Communication
Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life. — Brian Tracy
Give your team members a chance to share ideas and voice their opinions. This will help you take wiser decisions when it comes to deadlines, handling clients, and setting budgets. A two-way communication between employees and superiors to make sure they are able to match each other’s energy.
Importance of team collaboration at workplace
4. Invest in a Good Productivity Tool
Whether you have a big or small team, it is not manually possible to manage tasks, deadlines, clients, and of course your team. A good project management software like ProofHub can help you to allocate tasks, set deadlines, and track individual progress every now and then.
5. Let them Know their Goals
“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.” — Andrew Carnegie
If you want to ignite enthusiasm and inspiration in your team members then let them know in which direction they are heading to. Every team member must know about his goal clearly so that they can plan and work towards it. But make sure, you set measurable goals which can be achieved within a fixed timeframe.
6. Define Roles and Responsibilities Clearly
If you want your team members to deliver high productivity work then they must know about their roles and responsibilities clearly. To avoid confusion or wastage of time, it is important that everyone in your team must know about their role in a crystal clear manner. This will also help them to focus and channelize their energy in the right direction.
7. Don’t Forget to Appreciate
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy
Employee appreciation is one such thing which most startups lack behind. When you don’t appreciate your team members, they find an easy way to quit your company. Make it a point to appreciate your team members even if it is about a small achievement. Don’t leave any chance to celebrate their accomplishments or provide them incentives, if needed.
8. Allow them to Socialize
Make sure you give your team members enough space and time to interact and know each other at a personal level. You can organize team building activities, laidback office party or a get-together on drinks. Giving your employees a chance to chitchat will ignite creativity and friendship in them.
How team building activities will bring positive impact on office culture
9. Resolve Conflicts Quickly and Efficiently
It’s normal for conflicts to arise between members working together in a team. At times, conflicts are a result of communication breakdown or personal issues. But it is important to ensure that conflicts don’t affect the work and bonding in your team. Make it a point to resolve the conflicts by confronting the issue in the most effective manner possible.
10. Avoid Micromanaging
A micromanaging boss is an employee’s worst nightmare. If you are eyeing every single movement of your employees then you will easily frustrate them. Respect their space and independence and allow them to manage their work on their own.
11. Give and Take Frequent Feedback
In order to work and move ahead together as a team, it is important for you to give and receive frequent feedback from your employees. This will help you bring out necessary changes and help your team members to live upto your expectations.
“Looking for ways to manage your tasks more efficiently? Start using ProofHub with the all new Workflows and boards.”
Found this post useful? Don’t forget to hit the green heart below and spread the love. It would mean a lot to us.
Liked this post? If yes, then you are going to love this one as well —
- Agile Project Management Trends for 2017
- Secrets of smart business owners for an Epic Team building
- Gantt Chart in Project Management
11 Strategies to Improve Teamwork in your Startup was originally published in ProofHub Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
