You're struggling to get your team to work together. How can you make them a cohesive unit?
You're struggling to get your team to work together. How can you make them a cohesive unit? This is a common challenge for many leaders, especially in remote or hybrid settings. But don't worry, there are some proven strategies that can help you foster collaboration and teamwork among your team members. Here are some tips to improve your internal communications and create a more cohesive unit.
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Niidhii GulatiCountry Communications Director | Strategic Branding & Communications | DEAI Champion | Public Relations | Storyteller…
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Anne-Solenne ChapuisCorporate People & Branding Director
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Rohit MishraHead of Internal Communications @ Optum India | Storyteller | Business, Leader, Employee and Change Communications |…
The first step to building a cohesive team is to make sure everyone is on the same page about the vision and goals of your project, department, or organization. You need to communicate clearly and frequently what you expect from your team, why it matters, and how it aligns with the bigger picture. You also need to provide feedback and recognition to your team members for their contributions and achievements. This way, you can create a sense of purpose, direction, and accountability for your team.
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To make sure everyone is on the same page, often we need to close the previous chapter that existed. Which means you need to create a safe moment for people to mourn what they had previously and lost. Either its a manager, a team mate, an idea of the job they thought they will have and what they face, colleagues support anything. They need to be able to express their aspirations but also their fears and disappointment. Starting with a clean slate can create some opportunities so imagining/sketching those possibilities together can really help a team projecting themselves in a better future. Just make sure you don't engage yourself in projects or support behaviours that you won't be able to sustain on the long term.
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The good old saying: 'culture eats strategy for breakfast' goes a long way. People in any organisation are people! Acknowledging people working (together) in an organisation is key. Communication is dialogue and the responsibility of all however, most certainly that of leaders. Consistency, continuity, coaching, explaining, genuine interest, acknowledgment, daily focus (not once in a while) are cornerstones. They will in the long run create motivation, loyalty and energy (productivity). There are no tricks, no easy way nor short 'to do' lists. However with consistency and genuine implementation all will end successfully on the same page.
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It is really important to communicate not just your goals as a company but the role of each individual stakeholder in reaching those goals. All too often companies lead with process not people. A process in isolation is rarely a vision that will galvanise and unify people.
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I’ve found this as a fundamental problem at few orgs when the leader does not know how to run the show. The leader is responsible to ensure the issues are identified, establishing a common goal to ensure that the team target or the end goal can be achieved only with everyone’s contribution not by an individual. Also, promoting open communication by building trust with one’s actions, clarifying their need in responsibilities, encourage collaboration, be an example for the team. Lastly, provide adequate support and develop opportunities.
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Create a relaxed, sharing-encouraging time and environment on a regular basis for the team to get to know each other as people. Getting to know people by their identities outside of work facilitates the flow of dialogue. Lead by example in these meetings, try to motivate sharing by actively participating, listening and asking questions. Make sure goals and roles are clear for everyone and provide inspiring examples of how you can support each other.
The second step to building a cohesive team is to encourage communication and feedback among your team members. You need to create a safe and supportive environment where your team can share their ideas, opinions, challenges, and solutions. You also need to listen actively and empathetically to your team members, and acknowledge their perspectives and feelings. You can use various tools and channels to facilitate communication and feedback, such as online platforms, meetings, surveys, polls, and chats. This way, you can foster trust, respect, and understanding among your team.
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communication is the key to all problems, issue and a way to move forward. you always support your team, and encourage them to speak up.
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La comunicación clara es clave. Debe haber un espacio para hablar libremente y sin temor a expresar las opiniones. Se debe crear un ambiente libre de represalias, donde la escucha sea activa y empatica. Eso hace que los equipos fluyan mejor y que reine la confianza.
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Fostering team cohesion requires a deliberate and sustained effort over time. Starting with a foundation where all team members are aligned with the team's objectives and expected outcomes is crucial. As the team evolves, it's important to consciously cultivate an environment that encourages open dialogue, where members feel safe and supported in sharing ideas, concerns and feedback. We can be more creative in this aspect because this can be done in both formal and informal setting. And sometimes over a cup of coffee or doughnut :). This approach not only enhances team cohesion but also promotes a culture of respect, trust, and accountability.
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It is very important to have personal engagements and relationships with each member of your team. Understanding the blues, greens and reds in your team helps you determine who can help and influence who. Getting the team to appreciate each others job and how it helps them link into theirs is very key. Creating team leads ans leaders within the teams gives them power to associate and communicate and communicate bring them together as you guide.
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You need to consider that each team member may have different communication styles - some may be more or less willing to chip in to discussions. Consider using techniques such as passing a physical token around the group, with only the holder speaking, or De Bono's Six Thinking Hats can be adapted.
The third step to building a cohesive team is to promote collaboration and cooperation among your team members. You need to help your team work together effectively and efficiently, and leverage their diverse skills and strengths. You also need to avoid silos and conflicts, and resolve any issues or disagreements constructively. You can use various methods and techniques to promote collaboration and cooperation, such as team-building activities, brainstorming sessions, peer mentoring, and cross-functional projects. This way, you can enhance creativity, innovation, and performance among your team.
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A good example is a cricket team. The coach is not with the players on the field. Has done what it takes. Coach understands each player is unique. But as a team they must perform. We must Invest time in each member to know better as a person and what motivates. Not micromanage. Our role is bound together and bring out the best. We may fail a few times but keep refining efforts
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Rallying your team behind a shared vision, objective and goal is likely to enhance collaboration and cooperation among team members. The understanding that no one team member will achieve the goal without the input and engagement of all team members helps foster a collaborative process.
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A team is made up of different set of skills or background and it becomes equally important that everyone is been appreciated on their contribution. Using the right set if skills for a given task will surely make the the task more successful and will help everyone to work as a team without developing any conflict.
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The effectiveness of a team hinges on its leader. While rallying towards a shared objective is crucial, effective leaders cultivate an environment that fosters innovation, encourages open communication, and shields the team from harmful behaviors like backstabbing.
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Sport. If they sweat together, they will work together. Plan a day at best or 3 hours of a great workout session. It requires organization, logistics and network but the outcomes are worth it.
The fourth step to building a cohesive team is to celebrate diversity and inclusion among your team members. You need to appreciate and value the differences and similarities of your team members, and recognize their unique contributions and potential. You also need to ensure that your team members feel respected, accepted, and supported, and that they have equal opportunities and access to resources and information. You can use various practices and policies to celebrate diversity and inclusion, such as diversity training, inclusive language, cultural awareness, and anti-discrimination measures. This way, you can create a more positive, inclusive, and cohesive team culture.
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O maior desafio para garantir a inclusão real é colocar luz nas questões estruturais como machismo, racismo, lgbtfobia, capacitismo etc. As organizações estão escolhendo caminhos duvidosos, com modelos desgastados impostos sem diálogo, negligenciando as questões cotidianas que oprimem e silenciam. Infelizmente, a liderança da maioria das organizações é composta por pessoas brancas, heterossexuais, com poucas mulheres. Esta situação torna o desafio da inclusão ainda mais complexo, uma vez que as lideranças custam a entender que são parte do problema, a maior parte. E que não podem “terceirizar” o desafio para suas áreas de RH ou D&I. As áreas devem atuar como catalizadoras da mudança, não como únicas responsáveis pelos temas.
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Recognize and appreciate the diversity of thoughts, experiences, and perspectives within the team. Create opportunities for team members to learn from each other's differences and leverage them to drive innovation. Reward employees who are ready to share their knowledge with others.
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Diversity and Inclusion is very important to build a cohesive team, with a catch: it has to be done genuinely. By that it means that the leader must genuinely accept and recognize that people has weakness, and that not everyone is perfect, that people sometimes made mistakes, become ill, or simply lose motivation to work. Genuinely embracing this, will always strengthen team's cohesiveness.
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While many companies have become better in diverse hiring, fostering inclusion remains a challenge. Hiring people from different backgrounds is great, but if their voices aren't heard or valued equally, the benefits of diversity are lost. To truly celebrate diversity, we must actively create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected. This means providing opportunities for all to contribute, and addressing any biases or barriers that may exist. Diversity is being invited to the party, but inclusion is being asked to dance 🌈
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Feiern Sie Vielfalt und Inklusion im Team durch eine inklusive Kultur, Schulungen zur Sensibilisierung, Führung durch Beispiel, aktive Beteiligung aller Teammitglieder, Förderung diverser Einstellungen, Netzwerkbildung und Mentoring, Bereitstellung gleichberechtigter Ressourcen und Chancen, Feier von kulturellen Ereignissen, Einrichtung von Feedback-Mechanismen für Inklusion und regelmäßige Überprüfung von Richtlinien und Prozessen. Diese Praktiken schaffen eine Umgebung, in der Vielfalt nicht nur toleriert, sondern aktiv geschätzt wird.
The fifth step to building a cohesive team is to nurture growth and development among your team members. You need to provide your team with opportunities and challenges to learn new skills, acquire new knowledge, and expand their horizons. You also need to support your team members in their personal and professional goals, and help them overcome any barriers or difficulties. You can use various resources and programs to nurture growth and development, such as coaching, mentoring, training, courses, and feedback. This way, you can boost motivation, engagement, and retention among your team.
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From day one have the big bold conversations. Be curious about your people. Create a safe space in your business to discuss the bigger picture rather than just the day to day responsibilities. In doing so talking about their personal & professional lives whether that be what they want to achieve in 1, 5 or 20 years is normalised. Are they with you for the long or short journey? Either way is fine just openly discuss how you can work best together to always have their dreams as part of the roadmap. Encourage them to take the steering wheel but let them know you are there to support and provide direction when needed.
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Confronting the fact that for many people their current role may not 100% align with their interests and goals is key. Spending the time to understand what team members are interested in, where they want to go and what you and the team can do to support that development opens so many opportunities for growth of the team and its members. The relationship between team and team member should be mutually beneficial, and the benefit for both parties increases exponentially when aligned on goals, objectives and opportunities for growth.
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if you dont learn something everyday then you wasted that day. Learning nurture development, you always need to teach the team to learn from every major milestone, on a daily basis
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Don't have the team you want? Grow your own! Give them opportunities to learn. Show them what you want. I've seen my direct reports grow, flourish and out do me and I'm proud. Are you able to commit to that prospect?
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Create an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures. Encourage team members to share their mistakes and what they learned from them.
The sixth and final step to building a cohesive team is to model the behavior you want to see from your team members. You need to lead by example and demonstrate the values, attitudes, and actions that you expect from your team. You also need to be consistent, transparent, and accountable for your decisions and actions, and admit your mistakes and learn from them. You can use various strategies and skills to model the behavior you want to see, such as emotional intelligence, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and collaboration skills. This way, you can inspire, influence, and empower your team to work together as a cohesive unit.
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No person is a single story! As a leader it is very important to understand the strengths, challenges, weaknesses and threats of every colleague in the team. Next, a leader's conduct, openness, empathy, and actions set the tone for everyone. I believe the biggest cohesive factor in any team is feeling safe to speak, share, discuss, debate, & cry out loud freely. All teams will have internal conflicts at some point, but what will ensure that they stick together like a flock of birds is the comfort of drawing on each other's strengths & supporting & uplifting each other as and when needed. Lastly, all play and no work makes one dull, and the vice versa is true too. So, help them know each other through social meet ups every once in a while.
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I cannot emphasize enough the importance of modeling the behaviour you wish to see. As the leader of your team you set the tone for what is and isn't acceptable as well as what people should strive for. Divisive and or derisive comments about members of your team always come back to them. Whether directly through the openly expressed sentiments of the their colleagues and peers or indirectly through fueling negative behaviours and interactions towards them. Being a manager can be a very frustrating and challenging job, but failing to lead by example in fostering an environment of respect, trust and support in your team is like shooting holes in the bottom of the boat you're piloting. To build a cohesive team, you must build up its members.
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As a leader, your behavior sets the tone for the team. Demonstrate commitment, respect, and integrity in your actions. Address conflicts promptly and fairly. Encourage open dialogue to resolve issues, focusing on the problem rather than personal attacks.
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Ready to level up your team? Whelp- Cultivating instrumental assistance is the secret sauce to success! Instrumental assistance is the art of “helping eachother out.” It refers to the practical support, tools, resources, and expertise that individuals or teams provide to help each other achieve their goals and work together more effectively. It requires fostering a wide range of skills such as sharing knowledge, offering guidance, providing feedback, collaborating on projects, and offering tangible resources. Instrumental assistance is crucial for teams as it helps them work together more efficiently and achieve better results and it’s these critical areas where leaders should make the most investments.
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This goes beyond setting examples in work product, meeting deadlines and other non-negotiables. I managed 30 people across a cross-functional team, and we kicked off the week with a Monday morning internal meeting. While this was a critical meeting, I also know that time is precious and would sometimes cut it short to give time back for more urgent needs. Common sense and courtesy are two behaviors that leaders need to succeed in motivating their teams to the goal post.
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Candid conversations with individuals and together as a group is always a good starting point. Acknowledging their views and concerns is important too. And always keep in mind it's "our team".
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I’ve found a great way to get teams working together is to consult with an OD practitioner or another HRBP with OD skills. An expert can diagnose, figure out the ‘why’ and recommend and/or facilitate a framework for the team to identify root causes and work through them. There are many team effectiveness models that provide a framework and process to do this work. Some examples are 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, Tuckman, Google Teams, T7. Employing a framework will help you and your team develop a collective understanding of strengths and development areas, and forge a path forward. For this work to be successful, you must also understand how you contribute to team effectiveness and be willing to make changes in how you lead.
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Find one thing you all have in common outside of the project. And when you find that thing, have a conversation about it. This small connection moment can have a strong and long-term impact on the project and also beyond. What we do, no matter the role or the level or the task, comes down to connection with others and this focus on connection and on relationship-building can be often overlooked. Start with people and your business results will thank you.
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To enhance team cohesion, clarify your vision and goals, encourage open communication, build trust, practice teamwork, celebrate success of each other, and promote inclusion and diversity. These strategies foster unity, productivity, and motivation within the team.
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Em resumo, eu diria que para uma equipe integrada é preciso construir propósito compartilhado, oferecer a visão de um futuro diferenciado capaz de agregar valor para todos, em alguma medida, e cuidar para que haja a sensação de um ambiente seguro, saudável e confiável. E para que isso aconteça é necessária uma liderança humanizada e comunicadora.
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