One of the biggest ways to waste time is the perpetual team building events that companies feel is essential to improve marketing departments. The idea that you can take a bunch of individuals for a 4 or 8 hour event to build a more cohesive team is myopic.
Team building events can range from hikes to challenging exercises. Why managers feel that they need to spend money and time on these events shows just how clueless some managers really are.
[inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=””]The best functioning teams work on two principles; trust and a belief in what they are doing.[/inlinetweet] Trust is essential is any organization. People need to feel that others “have their back” and that sharing information will not lead to someone trying to grab credit to make themselves look good.
A belief in what you are doing means that employees need to feel like they are contributing and that your organization is doing good work that’s socially responsible. [inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=””] You can’t force people to work for money alone, when you do you starve their souls.[/inlinetweet]
Here are some ways to build and foster a high performing team:
1ne: Take an active interest in each person on your team. Listen to them more than talking to them and understand what motivates each person to excel.
2wo: Reward good work. I had a team leader who would tell people to go home at lunch on Fridays during the spring and summer.
3hree: Have a lunch get together to discuss what everyone is working on. You would be surprised how some people within teams are not aware what others are doing.
4our: Ensure your team members are challenged, but not overworked.
5ive: If employees are showing up for work early and leaving late something is wrong and they are going to burn out.
6ix: No emails on weekend rule
Finally, observe and understand. If you see someone who is struggling take an active interest to find out why and correct the situation.
Team building starts with managers who understand how to lead, not with a hike in the mountains.
