How to Turn a Group of Strangers into a Team
Organizations are facing larger and more complex challenges than ever, necessitating the development of more effective teamwork. Simultaneously, the market’s constant evolution leads to frequent turnover on both small and large scales, leaving it uncommon for teams to remain intact for extended periods of time. This reality highlights the importance of mastering team dynamics to bring together individuals to form cohesive and productive teams.
The caveat to the idea of teaming is that individuals do not need to be on the same functional team to practice it. When a common goal is identified, an organization that is effective at teaming can seamlessly work together cross-functionally to achieve it. While it may sound deceptively simple, it is often difficult to execute effectively.
Consider these three key elements to facilitate the growth of psychological safety in your organization, ultimately contributing to effective teaming:
Situational Humility: Foster mindset of openness and receptivity, allowing individuals to acknowledge their limitations and leverage the expertise of others.
Curiosity: Encourage exploration and the ability to seek out new perspectives and approaches for creative solutions. All too often, we assume we know the most effective way to accomplish a task, but everyone in the room has a different view of the picture hanging on the wall. Embrace curiosity about others’ feedback, viewpoints, and thoughts.
Willingness: Be transparent. There must be a degree of calculated risk-taking to advance, learn quickly from failures, and take notes on things that work well.
Mixing these 3 ingredients together fosters an environment of psychological safety that allows others to voice their opinion, take risks, and learn from smart failures without fear. By cultivating an atmosphere of trust and respect, teams can harness the full potential of collective intelligence and innovation.
One of the most important aspects of successful teaming is adapting to a mindset that values the unique talents each team member brings to the table (TED, 2018). This shift moves us from viewing resources as finite to leveraging the infinite potential available within our own organizations, often uncovering strengths we weren’t previously aware of. This unlocks new potential, empowers other team members, creates avenues for growth, and increases production.
The journey towards effective teaming is an essential aspect of organizational success in today's complex environment. By fostering a culture that embraces diversity, curiosity, and risk-taking, teams can leverage the collective strengths of their members to tackle challenges with agility and innovation. Through continuous cultivation of appreciation for individual talents, teams can navigate uncertainties and seize opportunities, ensuring sustained growth and success in the journey ahead bringing even strangers together for joined efforts.
Should you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic in more detail, we’re always here to help. Encompass clients, please reach out to your Human Capital Consultant or Client Experience Manager. Non-Encompass Clients, we'd love to connect with you - hello@theencompassgroup.com to discuss.
Written by Brittany Durocher, Human Capital Consultant, The Encompass Group
References
TED. (2018, June 14). How to turn a group of strangers into a team | Amy Edmondson [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3boKz0Exros