Team Efficiency

Lately I've noticed a trend. Everyone has realized how important a united team is to the success of a small business. The team is a cornerstone of every startup and just like Rome; it can't be built in a day. Sure you can assemble people together and assign them roles and responsibilities, but a real team has to be cultivated through culture, relationships, and values.

How do you determine values and what your team culture will be? First establish what your stance is on important decisions such as:

* Hiring
* Customers
* Branding and Market Strategy
* Investors

Once you've agreed on business decisions, you can focus your attention to factors that influence those working towards your goals. Teamwork can be accelerated with some of the below activities:

1. Establish clear roles, goals, and rules so there is no confusion on where responsibilities fall. Defined responsibilities will eliminate competitiveness and open the framework for collaboration, teamwork, and eventually mentorship with new hires.

2. Define goals and an overall vision. The business leader should present the team with long and short-term goals to provide motivation and a method to monitor the growth and effectiveness of the company/team.

3. Hold regular meetings to review progress and coordinate shared projects. Don't be hesitant to recognize and reward work well done, even if it's a simple shout out.

4. Plan for fun! Take company gatherings a step beyond a "special event" and get together on a social level regularly. This will help teammates get to know one another better and build stronger relationships. These relationships will help team members to work together more efficiently.

5. Don't be afraid of icebreakers. If your team has been together for a few weeks, months, or even years, it can be hard to share frustrations or new ideas. Utilize icebreakers to continuously help team members feel comfortable and willing to share.