How teams improve productivity

In today’s fast-paced business world, organizations are always looking for ways to improve productivity and achieve better results. One proven method for achieving these goals is through effective teamwork. When team members work together in a collaborative fashion, they can achieve more than they would working alone. In this blog post, we will explore the key factors that contribute to the formation of an effective team and discuss how effective teamwork leads to increased productivity.

Build a cohesive team

Assembling a winning team is like putting together a puzzle. Each piece must fit perfectly to complete the picture. The first step in creating an effective team is selecting the right people. This probably sounds easier said than done, but it really is about choosing the right members for the job. But, it’s not just about finding the right pieces with the right qualifications and skills. It’s also about finding those with a knack for collaboration, a willingness to compromise, and a knack for working well within a group.

We interviewed leaders, contributors, and teammates with a wealth of experience in project settings. Everyone assumed a level of competence and technical capability, but really valued and emphasized that the individual’s soft skills and ability to mesh with the team was what made the difference. Think of it like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, but for teamwork. The bottom layer would be the skills, qualifications, and experiences the person brings to the team. These are very basic foundational elements needed for performance and unsurprisingly expected by others. The layer above that is how one uses, adapts, and flexes those abilities to enhance the team dynamic. It’s the key to unlocking true performance and success.

Moving in the same direction

A team without direction is like a ship without a compass – wandering aimlessly without a clear destination. It’s a group of individuals working in tandem, but without a common purpose, they’re simply spinning their wheels. A clear and defined direction is the backbone of any successful team, providing the necessary guidance to navigate the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead. It’s what transforms a collection of individuals into a cohesive and productive unit, working together towards a shared objective. Without direction, a team is nothing more than a disjointed assembly, going through the motions without ever truly achieving anything meaningful.

A great leader knows that their team is only as strong as its weakest link. That’s why when it comes to task assignments, they don’t just randomly delegate, they strategically place each team member where they will thrive. By utilizing the unique strengths and past performance of each individual, they ensure that the team is operating at its full potential. It’s like a game of Tetris, each piece fits perfectly into its designated spot, creating a seamless, high-performing machine. So don’t just settle for a mediocre team, strive for greatness by utilizing the strengths of each member.

Inspiring accountability

Workplaces have often used the office as a meeting point. Unfortunately, for some individuals and teams turning up has become synonymous with performance or producing outcomes. The best way to improve team productivity and ensure contribution is to implement collaborative systems in which each person can transparently check work in and out. Similarly, they can also seek feedback, support or call out any blockers (see our daily syncs). The intentional shift from presenteeism to a purposeful goal-focused orientation is critical. The leader’s role isn’t just to dole out tasks and ask individuals when they think things will be done, but to empower and inspire their team to own their outcomes and strive towards a common goal. The team needs to be nurtured so that everyone can feel like they are co-creating an atmosphere in which team members are accountable, reliable, and driving towards shared success. Again, the key here is transparency and it should feel like people want to, not just do things because they have to.

Working to strengths

For a team to succeed, it’s crucial for each member to play to their strengths. Whether it’s natural leadership or a knack for specific tasks, leveraging individual skills and abilities helps create a dynamic team. By assigning tasks that fit each person’s unique talents, the team can work together seamlessly, leading to increased productivity, a sense of belonging, and a superior end result. Maximize your team’s potential by tapping into the strengths of each individual player.

Two heads are better than one

The old adage “Two heads are better than one” is almost always true when it comes to producing better-quality outcomes. Humans are tribal by their very nature. They thrive on belonging to a group. Importantly, having multiple people working on a problem also reduces the risk of error. In the classic experiment by Jack Treynor, 56 people were polled to achieve an average estimate that was within 3% of the correct number of beans in a jar. Now, that’s probably not super practical but you can easily see that working with different perspectives not only fulfills that social craving but also creates checks and balances. With multiple hands on deck, you get more working hours devoted to a project, and it might seem like it’s costing more. The truth is, it isn’t! A Stanford study discovered that individuals who work in a team-oriented environment are 50% more efficient in completing tasks compared to those who work alone. Collaboration not only increases productivity but also ignites intrinsic motivation and fosters greater engagement in one’s work. So, when it comes to getting things done, don’t work alone – work together and unlock the full potential of your team.

Positive feedback loops

As mentioned above, the very act of working in a team can boost productivity, however, there’s a secret weapon. It’s all about creating positive feedback loops and celebrating success. 65% of employees crave more feedback. So why not actually make it count? When team members feel appreciated and supported, their morale and motivation also increase. Regularly providing positive feedback, acknowledgment, or recognition for a job well done can help team members feel valued and motivated to continue to excel in their work. Additionally, creating feedback loops and calling each other out when necessary can further improve team performance. Celebrating successes as a team can also reinforce the positive impact of teamwork.

💡 Final Thoughts: Want to boost your team’s productivity? Focus on building a unified team that plays to each member’s strengths. 💪

• Clarify direction and assign tasks strategically
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork
• Promote transparency and accountability
• Empower team members to own their outcomes
• Create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued

By following these principles, organizations can unleash their team’s full potential and achieve great things! 🚀