5 Ways to Develop High-Performing Teams- Anthony S. Glover
Teamwork is essential for the success of every company and for the growth of each professional within the company. However, in the recent times since the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have been comfortable working on our own within the comfort of our own homes or other personal spaces during hours that best suit our productivity. While we may think that good teamwork is not entirely possible in hybrid or remote scenarios, but an article that I recently read in the Harvard Business Review called 5 Things High-Performing Teams Do Differently provides interesting insights about things that high-performance teams do that allow them to function well as team despite their mode of work. There are five suggestions in the article which I strongly believe can foster better team connectivity and enhance the performance of the team as a whole:
1. Answer more phones
While most people find it comfortable to convey messages on email or text messages today, I feel that it is important to get on a phone call to discuss important tasks. The main reason why this is more effective is because communication over texts or emails can be confusing and the task may not be executed effectively. High-performance teams use phone calls more often to make sure that the work goal is clear to everyone and doubts can be discussed through active conversations. This also helps to strengthen bonds between employees and make it easier for them to talk to their teams in the future without hesitation.
2. Be strategic with your meetings
Meetings that are not well-planned may not lead to results in the desired amount of time. High-performing teams make sure that all the employees have prepared their part of work so that they can use their meetings to effectively collaborate and make good use of their interaction together. I think this is an excellent way to make sure that the meeting is utilized in discussing important tasks instead of having to go over everything that can be done individually without the assistance of others within the team.
3. Bond over topics outside of work
Many people believe that it is best to keep your interactions limited to professional topics within the workplace. I strongly feel that discuss your interests outside of work, like your hobbies and views about non-work-related topics will help to develop friendship within the team. High-functioning teams like to discuss topics outside the workplace and get together so that the good relations they have established outside of work can help to yield good results within the workplace as a team.
4. Exchange appreciation often
Along with the exchange of feedback within groups, I think that exchanging appreciation helps to boost the productivity within teams because positive comments can encourage a professional to continue working effectively which is beneficial for the team’s success. The article mentions how not just from higher management, but appreciation from colleagues can help in better team results within the organization.
5. Be more authentic
Authenticity in expressing emotions can help your team to understand your views as well as your problems within the team. Contrary to a popular notion that emotions do not have a place in the professional space; people in high-performing teams have been expressive so that the rest of their team can function better. Instead of being quiet about what you feel, I think every professional should discuss what they feel with their colleagues whether it is positive or negative so that honest views can be exchanged and everyone within the team can benefit from the openness.
You can read the article here.
About Anthony Glover: Anthony is a highly experienced business professional who leads through inspiration and collaboration. With a successful background in management, sales management, relationship management, corporate development, and operations management, Anthony is well-versed in developing creative problem-solving initiatives for difficult challenges. Currently, Anthony serves as Global Payments and Global Client Executive at VISA and is working towards driving positive transformation in the world.
