The science of team building and the dynamics of the workplace

Part 2

In the last part of this blog, we talked about how team building as an exercise and a continuous process, which decides the ultimate competitive advantage of a company. In this part, we will explore some tips that can help teams build strategies and activities to stay relevant to the changing dynamics of modern-day workplaces.

First, we need to understand that present-day challenges are different and, hence, team-building components need to evolve. Concepts like emotional intelligence and empathy are the latest additions to the list of skills that effective leadership is required to have as an integral aspect of how you go about your team-building exercises. Here are a few other things that you can consider if you manage a team or even if you are a part of one:

1. A strong team starts with an individual: Always, without exception, look at the basic building blocks, and in a team, that is an individual. Everything is connected — every individual matters, the team matters, and their collective contributions make or break your business goals.
2. Make sure members are connected and aware: Make sure your team members meet, interact, and know of one another’s strengths. This makes a huge difference as even if your team-building efforts are honest and effective, they will not get you results if there is no real connection among them to start with. So, before executing your plan, know that a little groundwork can give you terrific results.
3. Ask for feedback and suggestions for improvements: A team works best if everyone has a say. Take feedback, ask for suggestions, and tailor your team-building exercises.
4. Think short term: Sure, your ultimate goal is to create a stronger work culture, but make sure you don’t get too caught up in long-term solutions. Think beyond yearly appraisals and try to felicitate team members for their achievements, no matter how small. This will have a huge impact on how your team-building plans work out.

From the way teams work to the way teams are hired, things are sure changing in workplaces across the world. It is therefore imperative that team-building efforts see a change too.

Spark Makki is Head of English Content at Cicero & Bernay Public Relations, an independent PR agency headquartered in Dubai offering new-age public relations consultancy to the UAE and across the MENA region. | www.cbpr.me