Working as a team

A small business will function smoothly if everyone is able to get on the same page and to pull together and work as a team. Since small businesses normally have around 15 employees or less, you will find that teamwork is a great way for everyone to motivate one another and to share in different experiences and challenges.

As a small business owner, you already recognize the value of a good employee. You will quickly find that your employees will become your most valuable assets as they can open your company up to new markets and strengthen customer satisfaction and support.

To help your employees work as a team, here are some proven tips to try out:

Tip # 1 - Set Goals and Expectations
In order to gain the output you are looking for, you need to be clear with your employees about your expectations and give them some goals they need to achieve. When they have a clear direction to head it, it will be much easier for them to understand how to become a better employee and to work as a team. Setting goals for each individual employee will make them feel respected and valued. They will quickly realize that they are needed by everyone at the company and they will have a strong desire to accomplish their goals so they don't let their co-workers down.

Tip # 2 - Effective Communication
A wonderful way to harbor a healthy workplace where people can work as a team is to teach your employees how to effectively communicate with one another. Good communication comes down to talking to one another and making sure you understand instructions and to make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities within the organization. Quite often problems arise when people do not communicate with each other. This can happen when you send emails and you aren't clear about your instructions. Listening is a one of the keys to effective communication. Take the time to truly listen to one another. Turn off all distractions and sit down and listen to your employees. After your conversation, make a few notes that you can follow up with in the future and this will show them that you are a great listener.

Tip # 3 - Collaboration
Take your team out of the office for a half day and do a fun activity together. Laughing and having fun together is a great way to foster a healthy work environment and it helps to build trust amongst your staff. Take them to the racing track and race against each other; you might also try rock climbing walls, batting cages, and even video games. It's a fun way to encourage your employees to work together and as individuals. Take the tools you learn from the teambuilding activity and use them in the workplace as you set goals and bring up how some of your employees were able to overcome something that ordinarily seems difficult.

Tip # 4 - Creativity
Provide your employees with plenty of opportunities to use their creativity. Giving your employees room to think and innovate is a great way to keep them motivated and you will see them start to work as a team as they bounce ideas off each other and accomplish new things. Watching employees approach challenges together and overcoming them is a wonderful way to foster creativity.

Tip # 5 - Information and Equipment
While you may not be able to provide state-of-the-art equipment, do your best to keep up with new technology that will help your staff. Make sure you are looking for new information in the industry and providing it to your staff so they feel like they are being kept in the loop.