5 ways to build a stronger, more effective team

Whether it's with work colleagues or in your personal life, we either lead or are part of a team. Sometimes, however, these teams can be a tad dysfunctional, so here are some great guidelines to help create a harmonious group.

One of my favourite sayings, often attributed to Aristotle, is:

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

This is never more apparent than when working with teams.

Why teams sometimes struggle

How often do groups of people work hard without a clearly defined goal?

Or do leaders give instructions without fully understanding what they're asking people to achieve?

What about the team member who isn't entirely sure what's expected of them or the person nobody seems able to work with?

I'm sure you could think of plenty of other examples from your own experience.

Humans are social creatures and generally work better together than alone. Working with others encourages fresh ideas, different perspectives, valuable feedback and the sharing of responsibilities to achieve a common goal.

The pyramids weren't built by one or two people. There were designers, architects, leaders and workers, all playing different roles but working towards the same outcome.

Five ways to improve team performance

1. Carry out a SWOT analysis

Identify the team's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Then repeat the exercise for each individual within the team.

Where the business has weaknesses or challenges, look for people whose strengths can help fill those gaps. Provide the training and support they need to succeed.

2. Use a coaching approach

Bringing in an external coach can be hugely beneficial. However, if that's not immediately possible, take inspiration from how coaches work.

Adopt an approach of asking rather than telling.

Encourage discussion, value every team member's contribution and manage team dynamics carefully, particularly during open discussions.

3. Learn from successful teams

Take time to study teams that consistently perform well.

What makes them successful?

What habits, behaviours or systems could your own team adopt?

You don't need to copy another organisation completely, but you may find ideas that can be adapted to suit your own team.

4. Know your team members

Belbin identified nine team roles:

• Plant
• Co-ordinator
• Monitor Evaluator
• Implementer
• Completer Finisher
• Resource Investigator
• Shaper
• Teamworker
• Specialist

Ideally, a team will include a balance of these different strengths. Where numbers are limited, individuals may naturally take on more than one role.

Understanding these preferences can help improve collaboration and communication.

5. Remove barriers to performance

Consider what might be interfering with individual or team performance.

Could it be:

• Too many meetings?
• Unnecessary paperwork?
• Excessive reporting?
• Poor communication?
• Unclear priorities?

We rarely perform at our full potential when unnecessary distractions get in the way.

Look carefully at what is genuinely necessary and what could be simplified, delegated or removed altogether.

High-performing teams develop when everyone understands the goal, takes personal responsibility and works collaboratively towards achieving it.

Invest in your team

These are just five of many ways to improve teamwork, whether at work or within your personal life.

When people work in an environment that doesn't support shared values and effective collaboration, everyone tends to underperform.

Businesses that continue to see employees purely as a cost rather than an investment often miss the opportunity to unlock far greater performance, engagement and innovation.

Take the time to invest in your team; you may be surprised by what they can achieve together.