Transforming Ordinary Teams to Inspired Teams

by Richard Avdoian

Traditionally, business owners have judged the effectiveness and success of teams simply by the amount of productivity alone. While this is a desired outcome more progressive businesses and corporations are working and committed to raise the bar by working to develop inspired teams. They are investing time focusing on how well the team is growing over-all related to team members professional growth, procedure improvements and cultivating a strong respect for each person’s contribution and significance to the overall success of the team.

Regardless of the size of your business, building and maintaining a work culture that allows employees the opportunity to thrive and grow will position the company as the best place to work.

Having a relaxing pleasantly designed work environment is important but not as important the opportunities for professional growth and the daily employee interactions and work relationship with management and members of their team.

Inspiring your team can move your business from the ordinary to the best practice to work.

What would it take to inspire teams to be different?

Cross Training
Instill the notion that at times every person on the team may be required to work outside the employees’ typical job to assist others to meet deadlines and achieve team success. This allows members to understand and appreciate the challenges other positions face and the significance the role has on the team.

Asking for Advice or Asking for what you need
Create a workplace that encourages, supports and applauds employees who are eager to learn. Employees who feel comfortable and encouraged to ask for what they need from management and other members of the team will not only enhance their skills, it will result in minimize errors, increase productivity and assure team success.

Weekly Accountability Check-ins
Create and maintain a structured format for 15 – 30 minute Monday and Friday mornings for team members to share goals for the week, status updates of assigned tasks, problems identified, assistance needed and progress made. It will also allow employees to openly offer suggestions, best practices to again create a “We” culture.

Daily Support Check-ins
Relaxed quick 15 – 20 mid-morning chats are ideal to make any assignment changes, change project priorities, address newly identified problems or crisis situations. This keeps all informed and offers opportunity for quick remedies and dodge crises. Also allows an ideal time to offer guidance and affirmation.

Taking the time and making the commitment to implement and maintain these practices are worth it if you desire to build well-oiled high functioning, cohesive, supportive teams that will lead to high performing productive teams which will results in increased customer satisfaction, decrease employee conflicts and increased profitability.

Richard Avdoian is president/CEO of the Midwest Business Institute Inc., a business consulting and training firm. For information about training and seminars, contact Richard at 618-972-8588 or Richard@RichardAvdoian.com.