Teams win, and that’s no secret. Look at the success achieved by cozy startups. The right team makes all the difference in the world, and if you’ve brought all of the correct people together, even the smallest group is capable of moving a mountain. Assembling a dream team isn’t easy, and there are a lot of things you’ll need to consider when you’re looking to knock it out of the park. If you understand team dynamics and the kinds of things you should be providing for that team, you’re on the road to success.
Start By Defining Company Culture
In order for anyone in your workplace to be successful, you need to create and enforce the perfect company culture. If your company culture inspires everyone, they’ll be more motivated to do their best. You want to hire people who connect with that culture, which will ultimately keep them tethered to their work. If your culture strongly emphasizes teamwork, you’re preparing the stage for every team that will eventually walk through your doors.
Craft the Perfect Job Description
You need team players, and your job description needs to state that. Before you run to Gumtree to advertise your opening, take a little time to outline what kind of person it is you’re looking to hire. It’s more than just the right credentials. Someone could have all of the required education and experience, but not be a fit for a fast paced team. Detail your work environment and unique situations that occur within your office. You’ll be more likely to draw in people who are actively interested in more than just the kind of work you’re offering.
Let Candidates Meet Before You Hire Them
It’s time to measure some dynamics with a group interview. When people aren’t getting along, that’s obviously a sign that the team isn’t going to work out. You also don’t want team members who get along too well. While this may seem counterintuitive, it’s important to remember that the perfect team will boast a wide array of skills and abilities. If everyone agrees on everything and is inclined to do things the same way, you’re severely limiting your potential for future creativity and innovation.
Train Everyone Correctly
Team members are only as successful as they’re equipped to be. Training is an ongoing process – it’s not something you can do once and leave alone. As policies change and new technology opens doors for your business, you need to update your team’s training. The more education they start with, the better off they’ll be in the future. Everyone will understand what it is they need to do. It also helps to train all team members equally, especially as it pertains to helping them understand the roles and responsibilities of other members of the team. They’ll be able to collaborate efficiently.
Maintain The Perfect Teamwork Environment
Know when to empower your team. Trust them to take creative risks and think outside of the box. Celebrate their successes, both as individuals and a collective. Be a leader, not a boss. Make sure they have spaces to work alone, as well as together. The more trust you place in your team, the more likely they’ll be to succeed. Even the best employees won’t function in an environment that’s stifling them.
You might cycle through a few people on your quest to create the perfect team, and that’s okay. Just be sure to recognize when and where people need to move around. Sometimes, people would be better staying on a team but switching roles. Trial and error is an important part, and don’t be dissuaded if things are a little bumpy at first.
Leah Kelly is a blogger based in Australia, writing for several online magazines and working as an assistant in a small marketing team at BizDb.co.nz. With a background in communications, she likes to cover HR and startup topics.
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