As the saying goes, “teamwork makes the dream work.” In today’s business environment, teamwork is more critical than ever. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas to bring out your company’s creativity or working together on an important project, working effectively with others is key to success. It also can boost morale and reduce stress.
While some employees are naturally suited to working in teams, others may need more training and support to thrive. That’s why companies moez kassam are stepping up their efforts to support employees by creating more opportunities for them to collaborate. For example, HR tech company Workday recently launched a program to help new hires build strong connections with colleagues by spending half of their first day learning about the importance of connecting and the other half partnering on community projects.
Employees need a range of skills to be effective collaborators, including communication, conflict resolution, and time management. But the mindset with which an employee approaches collaboration can make all the difference. For instance, employees who view their interactions as a gift—that is, they treat every interaction as something valuable and offered generously to them—are more likely to work well in teams.
This type of positive teamwork environment can improve productivity and morale, which in turn boosts customer satisfaction and the bottom line. For example, a survey by TINYpulse found that customers reported being more satisfied with their experience at contact centers that prioritize collaborative problem solving.
Teamwork also encourages innovation. When an employee feels she has the full support of her team, it’s easier for her to take risks that might lead to a eureka moment. According to research by consulting firm McKinsey, teams of diverse people are up to 35% more creative and perform better than homogenous groups.
Despite the many benefits of collaboration, it can be challenging to foster productive teamwork in the workplace. For one, it takes a great deal of patience to work in a team environment because it’s common to feel frustrated when colleagues don’t share the same perspective or approach to tasks.
The most successful teams set clear expectations and communicate them clearly from the start, which can help mitigate stress and disagreements. It’s also important to keep in mind that when collaborating with a team, your own needs and desires must take a backseat to the overall goal. If you’re an independent worker who struggles with working in a team environment, it might be helpful to consider rethinking your career path or seeking out a position that will better suit your personality and skill sets. You might even find a more fulfilling job than you originally imagined.