How to Manage Teamwork Effectively

While it might be satisfying to think that you can complete projects on your own, nearly every person in the business world in different ways has to rely on their colleagues as well as well as support them. In fact, being part of an effective team effort is absolutely crucial, both to your productivity and efficiency – and to your happiness. No matter the size or scale of the project, the team working on it must have good communication for them to be able to manage the task. One aspect of this is the importance of having clearly set responsibilities. To foster a positive, goal-oriented team environment, try out these tips.

1. Every team needs a leader. Make sure that one member of the team is designated as the go-to person if any problems, questions or concerns pop up over the course of the project. To facilitate this, make sure all team members have the leader’s email address and work phone number.

2. Make sure that everyone is fully aware of their responsibilities. While this may seem obvious, the lines are sometimes blurred by job title, experience and previous expectations. Especially be on the lookout for new employees or junior members of staff who may be too embarrassed to admit their confusion. Map out in detail how everyone is expected to contribute.
3. Allow plenty of time for the project members to get together for meetings and discussion. Nothing is worse than incessant rounds of emails or bouts of phone-tag wedged into and around other responsibilities. Make sure that the team has adequate time to gather and iron out details, discuss progress and ask questions that crop up.
4. If a problem arises, avoid finger-pointing at all costs. Focus instead on the solution. If a team member needs to be pulled aside and spoken to, do not make it obvious. Remember, praise in public and criticize in private. You want to avoid embarrassing scenes at all costs. Even if the mistake was costly, salvage the responsible party’s dignity and discuss it one-on-one.
5. Finally, when the project is done, make sure the accolades are equally distributed in accordance with participation. Be sure not to overlook those who had a small role, as this will lead to resentment – and it is something that is highly unprofessional.