There is a lot of pressure on organisations to continually adapt and perform in an ever-changing landscape. We are increasingly recognising the importance of building teams and collaborating to drive innovation and success. But traditional team structures may not always be sufficient to meet the demands of today’s dynamic work environments. That’s where teaming comes in.
Experience has shown that collaboration and engagement with teams holds the key to successfully forging relationships, reaching goals and targets that optimise opportunities, and navigating change whilst teaming together.
Collaboration is a key driver of organisational success and competitive advantage. Companies that prioritise collaboration are 5 times more likely to be high-performing, 3 times more likely to be efficient, and 2 times more likely to be innovative (Human Capital Report 2023).
Teaming refers to the process of building and maintaining effective collaboration and communications between individuals or groups to achieve a common goal or objective. Teaming is more dynamic and adaptable than a traditional team structure, and it involves the formation of cross functional teams, project teams and collaboration between business units.
There is a key differentiator between ‘teams’ and ‘teaming’.
“Teams are stable bounded entities, where people get to know each. They find ways of working together over time. Teaming is recognising that not all work in today’s organisations can or even should be done in stable teams” (Amy Edmondson).
Teaming can be a powerful tool for achieving complex goals, driving innovation, and building a state of preparedness. It creates a space for sharing ideas and perspectives, to be flexible and adaptable, and to learn from one another.
It can also be challenging. It requires investment in time and resources to build and maintain a high performing team, and it requires strong leadership to ensure team members stay focused, motivated, and engaged.
The power of teaming comes from each individual’s ability to connect with others to unleash their collective intelligence and capabilities. Teaming has many great benefits for organisations, including driving innovation, enhanced flexibility, increased employee engagement, and accelerated productivity.
Innovation
Teaming encourages individuals to think creatively and approach problems from new angles. When individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together, they can combine their skills and knowledge to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Enhanced flexibility
Teams that operate in a teaming environment are more flexible and adaptable to change. They are empowered to work together to address challenges as they arise.
Increased employee engagement
A teaming environment promotes a sense of ownership and accountability among team members, leading to higher levels of employee engagement. When employees feel that their contributions are valued and they are working towards a common goal, they are more likely to be invested in the success of the team and the organisation.
Accelerated productivity
When working collaboratively, team members can share the workload and leverage each other’s strengths to achieve goals more efficiently. This can accelerate productivity and increase outcomes for the organisation.
Organisations need to have people who know how to team and have the necessary skills and flexibility to act quickly and collaboratively when opportunities arise. Creating a teaming environment requires a shift in mindset from traditional hierarchical structures to more collaborative and flexible approaches.
Here are some ways in which leaders can create a teaming environment:
Facilitate a safe space
Facilitate space for knowledge sharing and for team members to collaborate and share their ideas and perspectives. Look for opportunities to break down silos and encourage cross-functional collaboration.
Build trust and respect
Trust and mutual respect is the foundation of any successful teaming environment. Acknowledge and value the unique skills, experiences, and perspectives of each team member. Encourage team members to share their ideas openly and establish clear channels of communication to promote transparency and open dialogue.
Provide support
Equip team members with the resources they need to be successful. Provide learning and development opportunities to support team members to build the skills they need to work effectively in a teaming environment.
Lead by example
Model the behaviour you want to see in your teaming environment. Show your team members that you value collaboration, open communication, and a willingness to learn and grow. Listen, ask questions, and encourage new ideas.
By fostering a teaming culture, organisations can create a more dynamic and adaptable workforce that can thrive. With the right tools and techniques, teams can work together more effectively and ultimately achieve better business outcomes.
Have a think about what teams you are working in every day and seek feedback on how you are doing as a teamer. Simply ask – what you are doing well, and what can you do differently?
For more information on our SuperTeaming Experience reach out to us today.
