Teambuilding is an art and a science. As such, there is no “one size fits all”. However, there are some fundamental principles of team building that, when followed, will produce impressive results. Here are six that I think you will find useful.
To establish a Clear vision
For any team to get where it wants to go or achieve a desired goal, someone has to establish a vision. And by the way, a general direction will do no one any good. For a vision to have any power, it must be clear and specific. I recommend using the same acronym for a vision as for a goal: SMART Make the vision for you and your team specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Remember, if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.
Get Commitment
As a manager or leader, you will need to ensure that your team is committed to achieving the vision or achieving a desired goal. There is a difference between contributing to a team’s mission and being committed to making the vision a reality. The classic difference between the two is looking at a plate of bacon and eggs and remembering that the chicken contributed to the meal but the pig compromised. Big difference.
Competence It’s critic
Build a team based on competition. Having good chemistry is important, but having people on your team who have the right skills, talents, or abilities is critical to realizing the vision. Surrounding yourself with friends can be a good time, but it probably won’t produce the desired results.
To establish a Constitution
A written constitution, outlining what you will accomplish and why, creates the foundation from which the equipment will operate. Just as the United States Constitution forms the foundation of our country’s fundamental beliefs and principles, so will a constitution for your team. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but you do need to draw the lines on the field so that everyone on the team understands which behaviors are acceptable and which are not.
Collaborate and communicate
The basic definition I use for collaboration is: “Working together to achieve a common goal.” However, establishing a culture of collaboration is not enough. You’ll want to be specific in terms of how the team will collaborate and communicate. Meetings How often? Email? What are the parameters? Conference calls? Face to face? Skype? Draw the lines in the field so the team knows which vehicle to use for specific types of communication and collaboration.
Establish a culture of Creativity
One of the benefits of using a team to solve problems and achieve desired results is taking advantage of divergent and innovative thinking. Building a team where everyone thinks the same way and is more focused on maintaining the status quo is pointless. In a previous article, I recommended “Don’t fix, innovate.” The idea behind the title is that simply “fixing” the problem rarely leads to innovation. When we “fix”, we get everything back to the status quo. When we innovate, we look for new or different ways of doing things.
There you have it – foundational principles for bringing together a group of energized and competent people to bring a vision to life and accomplish an important project. Clarify the vision, get the commitment of every team member, select competent and qualified individuals, establish a team constitution, collaborate and communicate, and strive for innovation and creativity. These time-tested teamwork principles will help you build an unstoppable team.