How Can Managers Foster Better Teamwork?

Success in business today requires that your entire organization focus on common objectives. A commitment to teamwork can help increase office productivity by encouraging a collective sense of purpose.

These techniques help groups work effectively:

• Encourage open communication. Clearly express your expectations to team members. When assigning tasks, make sure that your team understands all requirements and deadlines.

• Refuse to reward sneaks, tattletales, or runaway egos. There's nothing more disruptive to group productivity than employees who take personal credit for an accomplishment that was earned by the efforts of many hard-working people. Don't buy in.

• Demonstrate your own enthusiasm and excellence, and create an office climate where employees have the tools and support they need to do the best possible job.

• Be flexible. Team members must be ready to help each other out, and you (as manager) should demonstrate your willingness to do the same.

• Encourage everyone's participation. When employees feel a sense of responsibility and ownership, that they are making a valuable contribution to the team, productivity soars.

• Focus on solutions rather than wringing your hands over problems.

• When mistakes are made, be direct and honest in addressing them. Share your concerns in person, emphasizing the individual's strengths but also discussing which areas need improvement.

• Share credit for success and take responsibility when things go wrong.