How well your team works together can make a big difference in your overall success. In fact, one study shows that teamwork and collaboration can boost sales by nearly 30%. When you’re bringing together a new team or implementing changes, it’s important to make sure everyone feels connected, valued and ready to contribute.
How can you ensure your team gels together quickly and smoothly? We’re sharing some tips from Insperity’s Carmis Adams in this issue of PromoPro Daily. Read on for her insight on building team cohesion during change.
Revisit your onboarding practices. Sometimes promo pros are new to each other but not necessarily your organization. In these cases, Adams recommends borrowing some practices from your new employee onboarding process. For example, you might meet one-on-one with each team member and give them welcome packages with branded company merch to create excitement.
Practice empathy. If you’re new to your leadership role, create a culture of grace and empathy. The more empathetic you are, the more natural your team members will find it to be gracious with one another, Adams says.
Create clear communication channels. Make sure everyone has access to what they need, and they know how to collaborate. Keep in mind, Adams says, that everyone has different preferences and comfort levels with technology, so manage your expectations.
Make introductions. This includes not only introducing team members to each other but also the projects they’ll be working on together. Adams recommends giving your team the opportunity to ask questions and get familiar with your leadership style.
Create self-serve support content. Make it easy for your team members to get answers to frequent questions and make sure all project information is easily accessible. They’ll appreciate having a place to reference information without having to ask for an explanation or where to find something, Adams says.
Address issues immediately. Despite everyone’s best effort at showing grace and empathy toward each other, Adams says they may still run into conflicts as their workflows are rerouted. Don’t ignore those problems. Instead, she recommends getting into problem-solving mode quickly, listening to everyone’s concerns and finding solutions.
Celebrate diverse perspectives. Everyone on your team brings something valuable to the table. When you highlight their different viewpoints and experiences, Adams says you create an environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute.
From team restructuring to new bosses to company mergers, change is a normal part of any workplace. You can help these transitions go as smoothly as possible by following the guidance above. When you focus on clear communication and empathy, you can create the most engaged, productive group of promo pros.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Carmis Adams is a manager of recruiting services at Insperity.
