Tips for a Team-Building Manager

Whatever program or method your company has put together for leading a team, developing and maintaining that team is equally as important. But what exactly constitutes a real "team" and not just a group of workers shoved into the same room for a single purpose?

The most important aspect of a team is communication. Without it, not even the most basic of tasks can be completed without insurmountable obstacles in the way. Diversity is also an important trait, as co-workers with different backgrounds and abilities can contribute to the team in their own unique way; this both helps to round out the team and gives each member the feeling of being necessary. A team comprised of people with similar or identical skills and backgrounds may excel in a small area, but overall it will be useless as their inadequacy in other areas shows through. Lastly, the team must share a sense of purpose, and their focus must be on a specific goal. Whatever that goal is, it must be in place at the beginning of the team's formation to avoid conflict down the road.

So what does this mean for you, as the team's leader? Too many managers think it's okay to form a team, and then sit back and play a passive role in its development. Then they can't understand why it doesn't work out. Although the team should be self-governed to a degree, it still needs that driving force behind it to help all of its members achieve the specific, shared goal mentioned earlier.

If you want your team to succeed, chances are that you'll have to look into your own life and make the necessary changes there. A team is only as strong as its leadership, and if your life doesn't reflect the winning attitude of a leader, you'll quickly see your team fall into ruin. Determine from the outset to lead a successful team, and make sure your future decisions line up with that determination.

Your role will also be an ever-evolving one: at the beginning, your members may be inexperienced and will need a great deal of assistance from you, or may need the occasional reminder that the group you've formed is serious business and not a glorified kaffeklatsch. As the group progresses in their goal, however, you may find they need more space and less hand-holding. Be sure to keep an eye out for the signs that these changes are needed, or you may find yourself in an unnecessarily unpleasant situation later.

Bottom line, you must present yourself as a team member with the qualifications of being the team leader for your team to be a success. If you can do this, you'll find your team will excel in even the most difficult circumstances.