Written by Sarah Tomlin

A strong team is the foundation of a successful business, and a good team ethic can have a huge impact on the smooth running of the organisation. If employees do not get on or work well together then problems can arise, such as poor organisation, missed deadlines, or conflict within the workplace.

So, what can teams do to ensure that they are collectively productive and drive the company forward? Here are a few qualities that can contribute to a successful team.

Communication – They communicate openly with each other, sharing thoughts, opinions, and ideas with members of the team. Communication is essential for keeping track of progress and working together efficiently on tasks.

Focus – They agree on and set team goals based on outcomes and results, rather than just on the amount of work being done. A clear plan can then be set about how they are going to achieve these objectives, as a group, as well as individuals’ contributions. This provides them with clear direction and gives them something to aim for.

Everyone contributes – Each member contributes their fair share of the workload and fully understands what their responsibilities are and where they fit in. They feel a sense of belonging to the team.

Support – Team members are always happy to assist others when they need a helping hand with work. Teams are often more productive when they are also offered support from the organisation and access to required resources.

Diverse – Everyone is unique and will be able to offer their own experiences and knowledge that others may not possess. A variety of personalities, age groups, cultures, etc can bring creativity and a broad range of ideas to the table.

Leadership – A strong team often has a leader that they trust and respect. This individual essentially works as the glue holding the team together and should be responsible for setting the pace, offering encouragement and motivation.

Organised – Without organisation the workplace can become chaotic, and goals are unlikely to be achieved. Though everyone should be responsible for organising their own workload, management should ensure that everything is running to plan, and that each member of the team is getting their work completed efficiently.

Fun! – Teams who work particularly well together enjoy each other’s company and get together outside of the office to socialise and have fun. It shouldn’t always be work and no play, this can lead to burnout and a lack of productivity. Building a positive relationship with your colleagues can make for a much more relaxed environment and reduce conflict.