Q: We are on a campaign to attract new clients and I would like to encourage teamwork to source ideas. I know because we employ a strong team of employees with various personality characteristics 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 there will be occasions when some individuals will get on better with others. Remember you are not going to create a perfect team immediately, as it is not an event - it is a process that will take some time.
Communicate with your staff and explain what their objectives are, as 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 hidden agenda should be abandoned.
You need to assign a leader, whether it is you, one of your managers or a designated person. 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.
As with any team there will always be an individual that does not work well in a collective. They may be introverted, territorial or 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; however they may be afraid to come forward and speak their mind in fear of being ridiculed. Reassure the employee concerned this will never be the case, explain that all ideas are welcome and will be discussed honestly and with respect. If this does not work then there may be other ways the employee can contribute: if the individual 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 either create a position within the group that the individual is well-suited too, or look at his skills and try and appoint him with a role best suited.
However, it may be the case that you need to explain working in a team is essential and his skills are valuable and any ill or negative feelings can jeopardise teamwork and productivity. Encourage the employee if he has any concerns to speak with you or his line manager directly so you can address this.
Finally working in a group will help ensure that all employees pull their weight, obviously it will be clear those who do not will easily be identified and the appropriate action taken.
David Price is managing director of Health Assured
