Q: We are on a campaign to attract new clients and I would like to encourage teamwork to source ideas. We employ a strong team of employees with various personality characteristics, and I know it will be difficult - how do I encourage positive teamwork without causing workplace conflicts?
A: It is impossible to make all your employees work well together. You can try, but naturally some individuals will get on well with others, while others will not. Remember, you can not create a perfect team immediately. It is not an event – it is a process that will take some time.
Communicate with your staff, and explain what their objectives are – this will ensure there is no confusion or misunderstandings. Personality clashes will occur, and it is worth reminding your employees that they are adults, their work is relied upon to support both clients and the business; and any personal agenda should be abandoned.
You need to assign a leader. Whether it is you, one of your managers or someone else, this individual will need to spend time listening to what other team members say while being able to make decisions on behalf of the group.
There will always be an individual who does not work well in the collective. He may be introverted, territorial, or he may simply work better as an individual.
If anyone objects then you will need to look at their reasoning. A lot of employees have great ideas, but may be afraid to speak their mind for fear of being ridiculed. If you identify such an employee, reassure him that all ideas are welcome, and will be discussed honestly and with respect. If this does not work, there may be other ways the employee can contribute – if he would rather email or jot down ideas then this may be a more suitable alternative.
You may have a member of staff who is rather negative, which can affect morale and disrupt group working. You might either appoint him to a role for which he is best suited, or create a position tailor-made for his particular skills.
However, it may be the case that you need to explain to him that working in a team is essential, and any negative feelings can jeopardise teamwork and productivity. Encourage the employee to air any concerns with you or his line manager directly so you can address them.
Finally, having your employees working in a group will help ensure that the great majority of them pull their weight. Any who do not can easily be identified, and the appropriate action taken.
David Price is managing director of Health Assured
