Recently I worked with a client whose business was growing to the point where she had to take the big step of hiring employees. It seemed like the perfect solution; hiring employees would free up the business owner to focus on more strategic aspects of the business while the team delivered services. Unfortunately this was not the case. Once the team grew the trouble began. Punctuality issues plagued several team members, interpersonal conflicts developed, gossip and disrespect abound and the level of service provided to customers soon began to suffer.
The business owner was in a panic. She couldn't understand why the team couldn't get on the same page and why they were experiencing so many issues with one another, with her and most importantly with their customers. Through several coaching sessions we discovered that there were a few issues, all of which stemmed from an inaccurate assumption that a team would simply form and gel because the group happened to work in the same geographic location.
Think about the most effective team that you have ever been on; perhaps a sports team, a special projects group or even in the military. What made the team so effective? Did you start off on day one knowing that your teammates had your back and they had yours? Probably not. An effective team takes effort, time and a common purpose, not to mention a strong leader nurturing the process.
Start by asking-what is the common purpose of this team? Do all of the members of the team know and understand the common purpose and what their contributing roles are to the team? Are team members communicating with you and with one another in a frank matter? If not the team is probably not operating on cylinders.
Take the time to establish the building blocks of common purpose, communication and expectations and watch how other key pieces like trust begin to take shape.
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