A successful, functioning business is contingent upon every employee working together as one, willingly reaching out to help one another when the situation calls for it. Teamwork is they key to success. There are very few arguments disputing that notion. Through combined efforts of every party involved, with passion and dedication, businesses can reach heights they may have never thought imaginable. To quote the legendary Michael Jordan, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
One could argue that teamwork and collaboration are not entirely the same principles. Collaboration, though involving a joint effort among several individuals, can be seen as more of a forced or necessary action in order to complete a task. Teamwork on the other hand, can involve different parties willingly helping one another to achieve the same goal, and understanding the importance of each member’s role. Your job as a leader or manager is to ignite that flame underneath your team, and inspire them to work together.
The first step you must take is identifying your mission, and clearly outlining what you wish to achieve, and how you plan on achieving it to every employee involved. A solid understanding of your business’s mission will provide others with the knowledge and tools necessary for success. Set milestones along the way as well. Envisioning what your business will look like in 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years down the road can steer your team in the right direction.
Give every one of your employees a specific role, of which they understand its importance in reaching company goals. An individual that can see how his or her job impacts the business as a whole is one that will be much more engaged, and willing to work with others. Explain to them how their personal responsibilities are just as important as others’, and that they must not settle for mediocrity.
Once your team is up to speed and on board, encourage their input and participation every step of the way. Their opinions must be valued and respected by you and fellow peers in order to maintain this sense of teamwork, and the notion that each of their individual efforts are equal in terms of importance. It’s also important to remember that micromanaging and forcing your own agenda upon the group will only hinder this. Trust your employees and allow them to work and speak freely, so long as their tasks are being completed.
Keep in mind that open communication is strongly encouraged. A team of quiet employees can quickly get comfortable with the silence. Hold brief meetings every day to inspire everybody to voice their thoughts, questions, or concerns. Once your team is speaking freely around one another, they will develop closer relationships, leading to even further communication.
So, at the end of the day, how well your employees work together is what will ultimately decide the success of your business. Running a business is not a one-man job, and cannot be done without a functioning team of hardworking, collaborative individuals that understand their individuals goals, as well as the company goals.
