Tips for TeamBuilding
John Castro (1994), CEO and President for Merrill Corporation, likens trust and teamwork to getting on a train: once on board, everyone who wants a seat should get one. Management is responsible for building trust and finding associates who want to participate as a successful team (Castro, 1994).
There are many ways that management can create and manage successful teams. Heathfield (2002b) offers five helpful tips on how this can be accomplished.
Tip 1: Form teams to solve real work issues and improve real work processes
The manager should provide the team with teamwork training beforehand on systematic methods of team work. The team should focus on accomplishing the project, not on how to work together as a team.
Tip 2: Hold departmental meetings to review projects and progress
It is the manager’s responsibility to recognize when a group is not developing a healthy relationship. Departmental meetings give the manager the opportunity to examine the team’s progress. If a team is falling behind, the manager should look to see if the team has personality issues or difficulties in agreeing on the best approach for the assignment.
Tip 3: Build fun and shared experiences into the organization’s agenda
The manager should help the team think as a unit within a fun work environment so that everyone on the team feels involved and appreciated. For example, management could sponsor company dinners or business trips to sporting events or team retreats.
Tip 4: Use icebreakers and time-limited fun team-building exercises
The manager should use icebreakers and group activities at the beginning of meetings to promote interaction and camaraderie among team members. The bottom line is that icebreakers help associates to get to know each other on a more personal basis.
Tip 5: Celebrate group successes publicly
The manager should recognize the group as a whole for their accomplishments, not just individuals within the group. Constructive group praise is always the best policy.
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