Adventureworks’ foundation is in Teambuilding. Since 1987, we’ve built programs that bring real teamwork to life. Our programs are designed to help teams work smarter using concepts that that help individuals coordinate efforts, communicate better, improve quality, and focus on achieving goals. We’ve found the following fundamentals are at the core of building a strong team.
1. Establish a clear goal. State it often
There are many components to a strong team. It could be argued that they all hinge on having a clear, shared goal. A shared goal draws people together. Accomplishing that goal generates excitement. Goals provide direction and allow team members to adapt to changing circumstances as they all move toward a common goal.
2. Debate ideas, not positions, to arrive at the best conclusion.
Conflict is a part of life, personal and professional. Healthy teams have healthy conflict. Team members share ideas and openly debate diverse thoughts and solutions. Individuals back up ideas with information and invite others to share their voice. Sharing information, advocating for ideas, and listening to other perspectives leads to well thought-out, informed decisions.
3. Seek solutions.
Obstacles will get in the way of success. When they arise, put energy towards what you want to happen as opposed to focusing on the details of “the problem.” This offers a more streamlined approach to finding solutions.
4. Observe, interpret, and improve.
Most companies strive for high quality and continual improvement, but only a few consistently achieve it. A culture of improvement develops when quality becomes everyone’s concern. Improvement comes through a combination of good observation from different perspectives and the willingness to make changes and try new ideas.
5. Empower everyone involved to make decisions.
When the goal is clear, and everyone is moving in the same general direction, everyone should be empowered (within expressed limits) to make decisions that will move the group towards the goal.
6. Take reasonable risks.
Success often requires taking a few risks. The challenge is to learn to weigh the potential costs against the potential benefits. Ask yourself: What are the consequences of failure? Are the potential rewards worth the risk?
7. Get the right person in the right job.
A person in the wrong position has a limited ability to succeed no matter how hard they try, while a competent, passionate individual has the potential to far exceed expectations.
8. Foster connection.
Lack of connection to the company and coworkers can result in a culture of fear where employees just go through the motions of work. Science shows that connectivity benefits everyone. Productivity, creativity, innovation, and commitment—all rise in a connected culture.
