#leadership #teamdevelopment #relationshipbuilding #relationshipintelligence
When you start working with a new team you need to ensure you pull them together as fast as possible to get a performing unit. Even if you are the only one who is new to the team. Here are a few pointers of what you can do:
The Tuckman Model
Every time a new member joins a team the team has to go through the stages of team formation as defined by Tuckmann
Make sure you watch out for signs of Storming and see how you can lead the relevant people into norming and from there to performing.
Build Individual Relationships
You need to get to know every individual of the team. Engage them and find that point that connects you. These can be simple things like you have the same profession, the same Alma Mater or you come from the same village. It can also be things totally unrelated to work like you both have a 5 year old child, or you both love baking cakes, or you both support the same football team.
Have an informal chat, preferably over a cup of tea / coffee and what connects you. Then build the relationship around this. Once you have this individual connection you can get their buy in much easier. Even resolving any potential conflicts becomes easier.
Help the Team to bond
Once you have gotten to know the new team member, help this team member to integrate. Have a quick round of ice breakers, where everyone shares something about himself the others do not know yet. Introduce the new team member to another team member with similar interests. Create an atmosphere and environment, where people feel free to share.
Get the Team involved
Many misunderstand leadership to be instructing people and telling people what to do when. Leadership is actually the skill to get everyone involved and make them feel comfortable to contribute. You ensure the general direction is aligned with the goals and vision, but the team should take over the planning and ideation.
Enable the team members by making everyone comfortable to contribute. Make them feel valuable and ask them for their opinion. Ensure no-one talks down on others and create a culture of mutual respect.
Diversity is an Opportunity
Diversity has many positive angles:
- Culture based different ways of looking at things
- Different approaches to work
- Different Holidays & traditions – opportunities to have fun!
- Learning from each other
Have fun together
A team that plays together stays together. 😉 Make sure you find ways to have fun together!
A team needs to trust each other for it to function at its best. And in order to do this you need to ensure the team knows each other, builds good relationships, respects each other and also has fund together.
Let’s all spend conscious time to build our teams!