The eight stages for building an effective team

Team work in any organization is important for achieving goals. A manager or a single individual simply can’t do everything on own. As a leader, it’s the main job to build a team that values what it does and knows that it is valued. Team development involves following phases as

1. Set clear standards

Let your know exactly what you expect in teams of quality and quantity of work timekeeping, housekeeping and following safety rules. Strive to maintain high- but realistic- standards.

2. Explain the “why” as well as the “what”

It’s important for team member to understand why a task is necessary and why it must be done in a certain way. For example, let’s say that one of your goals is to cut scrap by 10% in the next 6 months. You need explain to your team:

What the goal is
Why achieving the goal is necessary(that is, what positive effects reaching the goal will have on the organisation, the department and the team)
How it will be achieved.

3. Encourage involvement

Whenever the situation allows, ask for team members’ ideas and options. Team members who are involved in the decision-making process are more likely to feel they have a stake in achieving goals. But be sure your team understands that you are responsible for making the final decision.

4. Build positive working relationships

Strive to be fair with all employees at all times.
Be understanding. Keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes once in a while. When you must criticise, be constructive and tactful.
Build an atmosphere of respect among team members.
Put the team first. Make it clear that you’re more interested in the group’s achievements than in personal gain.

5. Keep your team informed

Provide as much information as you can as soon as you can the news you have to convey may not always be pleasant. But your team will appreciate hearing it directly from you instead of through the grapevine.

6. Communicate effectively

“Walk the job”- this gives you a chance to look, listen and learn form members of your team
Hold briefings- face-to-face meetings are the best way ensures that members understand the information you need to convey. Briefings also allow you to gauge the group’s reaction to the information.
Write memos-memos are a good way of conveying factual information. But keep in mind that you can’t be sure team members will read and understand every memo.

7. Lead by example

If you’re positive and enthusiastic in the way you conduct yourself, then your team will be, too.
If you’re fair and decisive in handling difficult issues at work, you’ll promote fairness and action on your team.
If you’re prompt, professional and courteous, you’ll encourage more of the same.
If you show you enjoy working with your team, they’ll enjoy working together, too.

Be the kind of person you expect your team members to be!

8. Embrace change

Change is necessary to growth and improvement Rather than faring change, welcome it. Encourage team members to support change, too, by pointing out its benefits to them and, whenever possible, inviting them to participate in change-related decisions