Building a strong and cohesive team

Last updated on 7 September 2023

A leader plays a crucial role in creating and maintaining a strong team [Source: Shutterstock]

In today’s fiercely competitive business environment, it’s imperative for organisations to build a robust team. The primary objective of creating a team is to deliver superior client service and achieve improved outcomes.

When a team communicates efficiently and collaborates effectively, they can achieve more than individuals working independently. That’s why leaders need to focus on building and sustaining high-performance teams that are motivated and dedicated to attaining the organisation’s objectives.

Merely recruiting a talented group of individuals isn’t sufficient; leaders must proactively establish and sustain high-performance teams that are enthusiastic and devoted to the organisation’s goals.

The role of a leader in this process cannot be understated. A leader plays a crucial role in creating and maintaining a strong team. They set the vision, goals, and objectives for the team, while also ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goal. 

Effective communication

One of the most important elements of creating a strong team is communication. Good communication is essential for a team to function effectively. A team that communicates effectively is able to work together seamlessly, share ideas, solve problems together, and achieve their goals.

Leaders must ensure that their teams have open lines of communication and that team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns. To optimise communication within a team, leaders can employ various strategies.

For example, regular team meetings are an excellent way to keep team members informed about what’s happening within the organisation and to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps. Leaders can also use technology such as instant messaging platforms or project management tools to facilitate communication among team members. Such platforms can help team members stay connected and informed, regardless of their location.

Leadership style

In addition to communication, another important element of creating a strong team is leadership style. Different leadership styles work best for different teams, so it’s important for leaders to be adaptable and able to adjust their leadership style to suit the team’s needs. 

Some teams may work well under a democratic leadership style where everyone has an equal say in decision-making, while others may prefer a more autocratic leadership style where the leader makes most of the decisions. Leaders must also be able to provide constructive feedback to their team members, recognising their strengths and areas for improvement.

Building a team

Creating a strong team also involves hiring the right people. Leaders must be able to identify the right skills and qualities for the team’s roles and recruit the best candidates for the job. They must also ensure that the team is diverse, with people from different backgrounds and skill sets, as this can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the team. Additionally, a diverse team is more likely to understand and respond to the needs of a diverse customer base.

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