While workplace conflict and communication problems at work are part of being a team, and communication breakdowns do happen, there are some ways to build your team so there is more accountability and better results. The human side of business is an important area of focus.
Healthy teams work through workplace conflict effectively, collaborate with ease, and put in time and energy to build trusting and respectful workplace relationships. They stick with the conversation / process even when there is discomfort. Not only is there respect in the dialogue, but there is also care and compassion. This is what I refer to as the human side of business.
How do you build a team that works better together?
This is a common question I am asked when I speak at leadership, human resources, and business events. Building your dream team goes well beyond hiring right. In fact, it starts before the hiring decision.
Start with having clarity around the job description, how this role fits into the bigger picture of the business, and the outcomes this employee will need to achieve. Next is an effective hiring process with behavioural descriptive questions and perhaps a project or problem to solve. Ensure you have the questions prepared; interviewing for your dream team is NOT a time to “wing it.”
Tips to build your team:
Once you have hired your team, the work really begins.
Ensure you review the job description with the new team member as well as his/her contract (and, of course, ensure both are signed). Team building will help you onboard the new team member into the workplace culture of the organization and to build trust and relationships with fellow team members.
Understand each person’s strengths. Help team members identify where their unique skills and strengths support the bigger picture, the goals, and the vision. The vision and goals need to be communicated often.
Role clarity is very important, not only so team members understand their roles, but also the roles of their colleagues. Identify and manage issues and challenges early on; the situation will rarely improve without intervention. The cost (time, energy, stress, and wasted time) of not addressing issues will grow quickly.
Celebrate wins, accomplishments, and goals achieved. Recognize the contributions that team members make. This will go a long way in reducing conflict and increasing the degree of workplace happiness.