Communication. Cohesion. Creativity. What does this mush of human resources management lingo mean? As we continue our #Teambuilding series, we explore the dynamics and attributes of a winning team.
2) Fostering a positive team environment
After finding the right people and helping them to the “right seats,” what else can a manager do to encourage success? In both the sports arena and the workplace, reaching your goal is just as much of a mental game is it is a physical battle. Although it is unlikely for a leader to be able to control the results of a team, he or she can influence the environment in which the team operates in efforts to optimize performance.
But what characteristics should a coach strive to bring out in a team? Let’s take a closer look at the inner workings of the NBA team, Chicago Bulls, and the multi-million dollar search engine, Google.
The Bulls’ mission is to win the NBA Championships. Google’s goal is to excel in the realm of search. Both have a clear objective in sight that they are committed to. But hard work isn’t enough to guarantee a NBA title or a successful product. In fact, studies in human resources management will tell you that teams work best when there is open communication, team cohesion, and opportunity for creativity.
Open communication on a basketball court or in an office setting entails honest and respectful verbal and non-verbal communication. Without open communication, individuals lack efficiency and clarity. Moreover, individuals may begin harbouring negative sentiments and can even turn to talking behind other team-mates’ backs. This can deeply affect the cohesion of relationships and therefore lead to conflicts that hinder performance. Coaches and leaders can encourage open communication by taking the time to facilitate conversations between team-mates to reflect on how the team is working together and to reiterate the common goal.
Team cohesion can be visualized as the sticky glue that bonds team-mates together in a positive, conducive manner. Team-mates lacking cohesion typically think individualistically without considering their counterparts. As a result, the final product becomes a jumble of fragmented ideas. Leaders and coaches can enhance team cohesion by investing time in team-building activities that create positive interactions between individuals. The activities will also help team-mates become familiar with each other’s personalities and working styles in order to reduce future conflicts.
Although often taking for granted, creativity can shape some of the best decisions and ideas for success. Consider Google’s assortment of app innovations. Who would have ever thought we would be able to see a complete street view of places thousands of miles away? Google’s creative minds did. By giving individuals a sense of empowerment and encouraging suggestions, coaches and leaders can grow a creative environment for ideas to thrive in. Whether it be a new way to approach a business problem or an improved play to drive the ball to the hoop, it all begins with an idea.
Aside from these three principles, what else do the Chicago Bulls and Google have in common? Both teams believe that “Great just isn’t good enough.” It’s about getting to the top of the mountain and then moving on to the next highest peak. For teams that embody this attitude, the sky isn’t even the limit.
