Workplaces are made up of a microcosm of humanity. There is a mix of all types of people, with all types of personalities, quirks, goals, and challenges in every office. This makes getting along beautifully to be quite some task.
Building a strong relationship based on teamwork doesn’t happen by chance. It doesn’t matter how big or small the organization is, as long as human beings are the ones running the business, there are going to be relationship issues along the line.
Every individual involved in a team has a different way of thinking and doing things and this can create teamwork issues for a number of different projects. Other problems that can lead to a disharmonious team are lack of foundational communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills.
Employee cooperation involves more than just working with your team mates to get the job done. It has to do with each individual contributing positively to achieve the collective goals of the team. A team cannot work together efficiently if there is disharmony amongst the team mates. Collaboration is more important than anything in getting your team’s results.
So how do people establish and sustain team harmony in the workplace, especially if team dynamics are constantly changing? It is, indeed, a huge challenge. The ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting is a skill set and an integral part of job satisfaction and productivity which, when executed properly, can ensure that everyone is working to a common goal; a truly harmonious and productive organization.
With this in mind let’s take a specific look at the various ways in which you can collaborate and work more effectively with your team.
1. Be Appreciative
One very powerful way of creating and maintaining team harmony is by always appreciating your team’s effort. People work hard and take pride in their accomplishments so don’t make them feel you are overlooking their efforts. Taking time to acknowledge even the smallest achievement can make your team feel valued.
2. Show Concern
Be concerned about the welfare of each member of your team. When everyone in your team is happy and at their best, they will go out of their way to add a little extra to their commitment. Show care and concern when you notice anyone who is not cheerful and offer assistance if you can. This will make them motivated and able to do their work effectively.
3. Avoid Idle Gossips
Gossip can destroy office harmony. It might seem harmless and interesting at the time but, subsequently, it builds distrust and resentments. People will begin to wonder if they are the ones being gossiped about and chasms will begin. Establish and enforce a ‘no-gossip policy’ among team members. This policy should also apply to events outside the office, such as team bonding hours, company outings, or holiday parties, where relaxed moods can loosen inhibitions.
4. Be Open to Discussion And Contrary Opinion
Establish an open environment for discussion by creating an impression that your team members can talk to you about anything at any time. Let team members be able to confide in you. Be open to suggestions, complaints, discussions, or even criticisms without judgment. When you give a listening ear, you can understand and see things from other angles rather than yours alone. This can also help you to tackle issues early enough before they escalate.
5. Hold Regular Meetings
Hold regular meetings with the entire team members and empower co-workers to take responsibility. This will make each person more responsible and accountable.
6. Help Each Other Where Possible
Try as much as possible to help each other when the need arises. Whenever a team mates is stuck, overworked, or faced with a major deadline if you have some time to spare, why not serve as a helping hand? It may take a little extra effort, but it definitely will go a long way.
7. Socialize And Create Team Bonding
Socializing is one key instrument to building a harmonious team. You can find time to embark on casual outings. It could be monthly, quarterly, or even yearly but make sure it happens. Go out to the movies, go for outdoor events like sports at the stadium, etc. The relaxed environment will create bonds that go deeper than the company’s current financial policies. I bet you, the end result on the company’s productivity will be massive.
8. Organize Training And Development Programmes
To ensure your team mates feel valued and stay motivated, one thing you should not overlook is frequent training and development programs. Every employee aspires to move up the career ladder. It is therefore imperative to provide the platform for development that will keep valued members of staff on board.
Finally, many of us devote almost 9 to 10 hours daily to our workplaces. This is often more time than we get to spend with our loved ones. We, therefore, need a strong source of inspiration and motivation to keep the going smooth and easier. A harmonious team is beneficial to both individuals and the entire organization. So we must strive to make the working environment a more conducive and happy place for every staff.
