Home
>
Team Building
>
Team Work - A Challenge of Character

Team Work - A Challenge of Character

Over the years there has been much ado about team work, the value of teams, the ups and downs, the pros the cons! Some appear to work and others fail, why? Can your business benefit from a team work approach or not?

As people we are 'complex beings' It never ceases to amaze me how we often gravitate to negative ways of thinking about others when we ourselves (if we are honest) have just as many flaws and faults. We often find ourselves thinking about the glass half empty instead of the glass half full. Life and business can be a very positive experience.

Having been in the workforce for over 25 years have given me the opportunity to observe trends and over time see what works and what doesn't, and however more importantly why?

From junior clerk to CEO and President of businesses it is my opinion that there is nothing new under the sun.

Re-badged ideas and principals have been operating for centuries. From armies to seminaries we can observe and learn that humankind has arranged itself in team structures, some successful, some failures.

Take William Wallace, the plucky Scotsman who organised teams (bandits) against the English oppression.

From good to evil nations and people have banded together and achieved more than they could have alone. This is the key, that alone and as individuals we can achieve, however together we can exponentially achieve if we will pay the price of patience and time.

Good teams take time and patience to build!

Over the years the practice of teams in business has often come and gone. It is my observation that over the last 10 years there has been a profound shift in the fundamental way teams operate in that those that are successful appear to be made up of people who have developed a high level of trust in each other and have had a heart transformation in that they strive to live authentically, have a high level of self control and common sense.

We appear by nature to be suspicious and untrusting as individuals and this does not lend itself towards team building. The good news is that we can change!

What makes a good team? A good team is one where team members are allowed a great deal of autonomy. This is usually given as teams prove their trust to management by succeeding in small tasks and are subsequently and progressively delegated more responsibility.

Have you ever noticed that the clock seems to go faster when working cooperatively with other people? Have you ever noticed the creativity and learning that takes place between team members? The off-setting multi-skilling is fantastic for your business.

What causes a team to fail? As the 3 musketeers once said 'one for all and all for one' When individuals come together to operate as a team it is critical that they have the hands-on support of management. Individuals need to learn to put aside differences and develop trust and believe that they will be rewarded as a team and individuals. Teams are not only about the team but about your employee's individual's contribution to the team - a fact overlooked to your peril.

Tips for Management

Change is painful for you and your employees.

You may want instant results! This is unlikely to occur and remain sustainable.

You cannot give lip-service to team concepts and demonstrate by your behaviour the opposite.

Over time a team will prove its worth to your business if your persevere with patience and support. You reap what you sow.

Communicate, communicate, and communicate!

Be participative with your employees. The sad truth is that some managers and business owners put more effort into their motor vehicle than their employees.

You cannot hide behind indifference and position and expect your team to produce. You must live authentically. This is sometimes called 'risky living'.

Tips for Employees Being part of a team is a fantastic opportunity to develop and grow personally and professionally.

If you are placed into a team be realistic and understand that change is painful for you and your other colleagues as well.

Understand your team will have its positives and negatives - be realistic.

Sometimes you may feel undervalued as a team member or be concerned that someone else in the team is being rewarded when you feel you should be. Understand that management is usually aware of what is happening. Behind the scenes management are making changes and these changes are not always in your timeframe. You don't have the full picture.

If you feel you need to say something do so respectfully. Don't put your manager in a corner forcing them to make a decision. Be patient?

Understand that one of the greatest challenges facing business today is to get 'good employees'. Your manager is well aware that he/she needs to keep you.

How to develop a team in your business Building good solid relationships anywhere takes time and effort. You must be patient!

Ask yourself the question - can my business benefit from team structures?

Do your homework and understand the cost in time and money it will take to get the desired outcomes your business is looking for. Patience and commitment is the key.

Do not lose your nerve. Take advice when you need it.

Communicate to employees - communication is the glue that holds teams and relationships together. It is reliably reported that up to 85% of divorce can be traced back to a lack of communication about money! Take your employees with you; explain to them the benefits; flexible working hours, team bonus for agreed outcomes, rewards from higher productivity, job certainty, and prestige.

Relationships - relationships are a critical strategic structure within society and any business. Good relationships can grow your business while bad relationships tear it down. You cannot escape from this principal.

Structure - ensure structures are in place for teams to grow.

Time - it takes time to build a good team but the rewards can be outstanding for the business and employees.

Having worked in teams and put them together I can recommend a team structure where both the business and individuals are committed to the team and demonstrate this by their behaviour.

Remember, your life and conduct are like a book - people, family and friends read you and see what is, not what you think is!

If you demonstrate patience and put time into developing a team environment built on trust you will succeed. Your business will increase its profits, your employee turnover will go down and your business will be admired.

The choice is yours.

To help your business grow with other quality articles please visit www.biz-momentum.com

Philip Lye is the Director of Biz Momentum http://www.biz-momentum.com providing you with practical actionable strategies in strategic human resource management employee advice, management and employee skills training and conference speaking.

Philip started his working life as a junior clerk and progressed through various industries to CEO before starting Biz Momentum. Philip has significant international experience.

limo rental North Chicago .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals that hackers stole data from Gravy Analytics, a major seller of smartphone location data to the U.S.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson: If you just bought a new iPhone, here’s what to do first when you fire it up.

AC Future and Pininfarina unveil AI Transformer homes, merging sustainability and innovation. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says this could change the way we think about home.

Technology expert Kim Komando shares her easy tips on how to declutter your phones, computers and devices from the files you no longer need.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson has the details on a Volkswagen data leak that exposed the personal data of around 800,000 EV owners.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson takes a closer look at Shell's Starship 3.0: A natural gas big rig boosting efficiency 2.5 times, proving greener trucking.

PowerSchool, which serves over 60 million students and teachers globally, has become the latest target of cybercriminals. Millions of records were stolen.

CES 2025 showcased everything from artificial intelligence-powered sleep aids to smart ear-cleaning devices. Kurt the CyberGuy has the details.

A truck powered by hydrogen traveled 1,806 miles on a single tank of hydrogen with zero emissions and set a new Guinness World Record.

A Chinese company has developed a new bipedal humanoid robot that stands over 5 feet tall and can tackle a wide range of tasks in different settings.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Artificial intelligence can be a helpful tool for anyone who is willing to give it a try; here are some simple prompts you can use in order to make your life easier.

An automotive maker in China has developed a flying car that is setting the stage for a new era in how we think about commuting and connectivity in cities.

Most cameras allow you to instantly transfer images from a camera to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and you can print photos directly from your phone.

Security researchers have found a fake app pretending to be a version of the messaging app Telegram, and hackers are using the app to spread malware.

Meta recently announced it will cease working with third-party fact-checking organizations to flag misleading posts on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.

Scientists have developed a floating solar still device that is capable of harnessing the sun's energy to purify seawater and withstanding harsh maritime conditions.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says business email compromise scams are a serious threat, as shown by Teresa W.'s near loss of thousands of dollars.

Big tech coming in 2025 includes solar umbrellas, AI TVs, smart earbuds and crazy robots. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives his take on the wonders revealed at CES 2025.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides two methods to restore your contacts for iPhone and Android devices.

FBI warns that criminals are using generative AI to exploit individuals with deceptive tactics. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains their tactics and how to protect yourself from them.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says hackers are embedding dangerous code in Chrome extensions to steal your data.

Google Maps Location Sharing is now built into Android settings; no need for Maps settings. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses the welcome improvement for Android users.

Not all apps out there offer legit virtual private networks, according to Kurt the CyberGuy. He explains how to keep your information safe.

Team Work - A Challenge of Character

Team Building