Include different perspectives in projects and decision-making
We know that seeking input from diverse perspectives creates a more cohesive and successful team. It’s important to be the kind of leader that understands the strengths of their team and builds a trusting environment.
Play to team member strengths
Leveraging team member's unique strengths empowers each employee, as well as the overall group. To tap into your team member's talents, many team leaders have employees take a personality test or conduct a roundtable discussion in which the team is encouraged to share their strengths. These activities serve as bonding exercises between employees and allow team leaders to test drive strengths before assigning roles.
Team members can share anecdotes or philosophies on how they might have shown invaluable strengths such as communication, problem-solving, tenacity, or planning. When team members are given agency in naming and then playing to their strengths, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the team's success.
Build trust and cohesion
Creating an open and trusting environment among your team starts with transparency and respect. Early in the process, it's important to display accountability and communication. Working as a team is full of vulnerable moments,and leaders should be honest in their expectations, feedback, and even owning mistakes. Candor and trust in leadership helps establish an environment where employees can feel comfortable.
Relying on team members to make decisions both large and small has been proven to improve performance in employees because they know their value within the group. Task updates and daily huddles among team members also create inclusion, cohesion, and increased accountability.
Lead by example
Set the tone of what you expect from your team and guide them by example. Each day is an opportunity to build a culture of confidence and accountability through your own actions.
An effective leader follows through on promises, even ones as small as the starting meetings on time. Likewise, productive energy and a positive attitude can help motivate a team to accomplish tasks with enthusiasm.
Recognize and celebrate collaborative efforts
Recognition is an essential part of team performance. When a goal is achieved, recognition by the team leader is a chance to bring your team together to celebrate a collective accomplishment. Unfortunately, many employees feel that their efforts go unnoticed or are flat-out ignored by their superiors, making it all the more important to commemorate hard work when your team achieves it.
A Gallup workplace survey found that some of the most impactful forms of recognition employees look for have very little to do with money. "It can be as small as a personal note or a thank-you card. But the key is to know what makes it meaningful and memorable for the employee."
When employees were asked what types of recognition were the most memorable to them personally, respondents pointed to six methods in particular:
- Public recognition through a publicized award
- Private acknowledgment from a boss, peer, or customer
- Recognition for high achievement during evaluations or reviews
- Promotion or increased responsibilities to demonstrate trust
- Monetary awards like a trip or a pay increase
- Pride in work and personal satisfaction
Hard work deserves to be valued and celebrated! Whether it's taking an employee out to lunch to celebrate an achievement or honoring an entire team on a completed project, recognition goes a long way when it's been earned.
A collaborative work environment creates more opportunities for innovative ideas, increases productivity, and allows employees to feel part of something bigger than themselves. The strongest cultures of collaboration find new ways to create space for everyone to be successful.
