The process of increasing team productivity can be complex, since people have different preferences. But team members have to, at the very least, follow a set of rules and standards in the organisation. So, it is the role of every leader to ensure that group members are at peace with one another
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on About Leaders
Depending on the nature of the organisation, group leaders are able to identify the strategies that work best for increasing team productivity. However, some tips are universal, and can fit into any kind of organisation:
Get your team to take on more small tasks
Achieving organisational goals does not give room for lazy team members. Sometimes, extra effort makes it easier to achieve such goals. So, it’s necessary to identify tasks that can be completed within a short amount of time. Encourage team members to work on these tasks and get them completed on time, instead of dragging them out to fill the whole day.
This is a great way of improving team performance as it helps people work on a more specific schedule; it can also helps to eliminate long-term delays in projects. Pending items are known to reduce the productivity of an organisation, so it’s really important to keep the team ahead of the game. This can also help in avoiding people having to do overtime.
Articulate and set goals for your team members
A good leader drives their followers towards working on set goals. To ensure an increase in team productivity, you need to articulate, and set, specific goals. In an organisation where employees have not been given goals to achieve, they tend to be unsure about the direction of the organisation. Goals are also important in providing team leaders with an opportunity to monitor the working speed of each team member.
Through the achievement of specific goals the organisation will be able to identify tasks that need to be completed next, or reworked on. The success of an organisation depends on both long-term and short-term goals. Make these goals clear, and ensure that every employee is updated on what is required of them on regular basis, so that employees are able to plan their schedules to fit with your requirements.
For a team to be successful, each of its members ought to make an equal contribution; this will ensure that no-one person takes on too much work.
Be an example
You need to be an example for your team. You can do this by participating in various activities that help the team achieve their goals. Bossing employees around could reduce their performance since they would only be acting out of fear, rather than commitment.
The achievement of organisational objectives requires team members to work because they want to, not because they are forced to. So, take the initiative and be an example of encouragement and motivation. Participating in group activities will motivate team members to do better, as opposed to having their leader only offering instructions and walking away. It is the role of a leader to be a part of the team.
Use services and programs
Team productivity is not all about attending to duties; it goes beyond goal setting and achievement. One of the best ways to improve the team’s productivity is by making use of various available services.
Team building activities are known to be a great way of enhancing unity and collaboration. They provide team members with an opportunity to solve conflicts that could otherwise affect their productivity levels. Other services – such as communication apps and collaboration tools – can enhance the ability of team members to complete projects successfully and with minimal disruption.
Tools like this also help to ensure that team members pass on information effectively. So no team members would need to complain about having missed important information required for the completion of a given task.
Some of these apps and services might come at a cost but, in the end, they could be worth investing in.
Constantly gain new knowledge
Given current technological advancements, organisations need to think about the changes they have to make to stay competitive. As a team leader, you need to make sure you have taught your team new information and skills that will give your organisation a competitive advantage in the market.
Improving team efficiency requires team members to have something new to look forward to – for example, implementing new systems creates a new environment for the team.
Regularly hold training sessions and bring in experts and speakers to talk to your team about the strategies of being successful and up-to-date with the latest trends. Repeating the same routine for a long time can be boring, reducing productivity. Ensure your team is given opportunities to learn something new, to change things up. This is a great way of keeping the team motivated and focused.
Communicate with, and praise, your team
Communicate regularly with your team and praise them for their efforts. The communication process also provides team members with an opportunity to express any grievances or feedback they may have; they get to communicate, and solve, any disputes that could be creating a poor work environment. After all, every employee would like to work in an environment that motivates them to keep going.
Conflict between team members ruptures the work environment so leaders need to be able to work on conflict resolution and constructive feedback. Praising team members will encourage them. Many employees want to grow in their career and can help them get there.
Most organisational tasks are better completed when worked on by a team. Encourage team activities such as brainstorming to make it easy for people to come up with the best ideas, ensuring organisational growth. Working individually is needed on occasion but it can also delay the achievement of goals as some people might need extra assistance and time.
Make the changes needed in your organisation today.
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