Teamwork and productivity comes hand in hand. Do you agree? Does “many hands make light work” ring any bells?

For a team member to work at full capacity, there can be no chinks in the chain. Corporate companies to small businesses we are all inclusive. As they say, “we are only as strong as our weakest link”.

A high performing team can produce superior results than a high performing team member. It’s business 101. That is why we have a chain of command. That is why we have processes. That is why we say “there is no I in team”.

Teamwork in the business market place is a key fundamental to overall success. As a business owner, as the accounts executive as the team manager we need to ask the question “how can we achieve the best results with the team we have?”

Team building elements allowing businesses to maximize it’s employees output are easier than you realise. Make the extra effort. Catch up for a drink after work. Acknowledge birthdays, achievements and milestones. Introduce a work footy competition. Have an indoor table tennis competition. Introduce a weekly bake your cake and share it at work day.

What are some measurable factors that can be used to record high performing teams? There has been a plethora of books on the subject and three critical elements that stand out include:

1) A clear and precise team goal must be understood and supported. “A man convinced his will is still of the same opinion still”. Everyone needs to be on the same page to make great happen.
2) Use your team’s strengths. We all have different skills and personalities. It’s important to conduct an overview of your team and identify areas in which can be improved. Utilize individual’s strengths to create overall team success.
3) Reduce factors that can inhibit teamwork efficiency. Like what you ask? Working remotely, personality clashes, social media limitation, open door policy and the chain of command structure.

A team of strong individuals does not necessarily make a great team. As humans, we need time to adapt, develop and create trust. Three ideas to help assist with this process include:

1) When individual success is achieved, celebrate it as a team.
2) Involve the team in appropriate decision making sessions.
3) Hold regular meetings with transparent communication.

Teamwork efficiency is not created over night. It takes a combination of problem solving initiatives, open communication, office fun and creative activities. Do you agree?