7 Tips for Building a Strong Team

What is your current work team like? Take a moment and think about how you feel about them, how you operate, your culture, delegated tasks, etc. Building a strong team takes time, periodic re-evaluation, and consistency. Focusing on the following tips will only make things run more smoothly and improve positivity ratings. At Casa, we build teams meant to last to continue changing the childcare industry.  So how can you build a strong team?

7 Tips for Building a Strong Team

One: Have clear goals that everyone understands and works towards. 

Without a purpose, work can seem like a repetitive cycle of tasks you are required to complete. As a team leader, take the time to talk to others and understand how you can benefit your company. Also, ask yourself what unique factor you would like to bring to the table. Once you have established these goals, set up a meeting with your team to discuss them. Are these goals attainable? How can you make them a reality?

Two: Have mutual respect and trust.

This is one of the most, if not the essential element every strong team needs to have. Without respect and trust, some team members may begin to isolate themselves and be unwilling to share responsibilities. Trust in your teammate’s abilities and their growth potential. Things might not be perfect when a new project begins, but this is when trust is built. Acknowledge what they learned in their previous experiences. Trust and respect must go hand in hand. If your team does not respect each other, they will not listen or communicate properly, thus hurting your chances of reaching your goals and making an impact. 

Three: Support a team mentality.

Having a team mentality is the best. This mentality promotes working together, decreases piling the work on one individual, and encourages supporting one another. But you cannot expect people to do this naturally. Establish team culture at the beginning and make sure everyone agrees to it. A team mentality also allows people to motivate each other, communicate any issues, and celebrate accomplishments. There is a reason why groups throughout history were successful. 

Four: Communicate clearly and directly. 

Communication is another must-have. Be available to those on your team and listen. Get to the bottom of issues and ask direct questions. You will not succeed if you avoid problems or do not express needs and wants. This could be difficult as most people prefer to ignore the issues and tip-toe around them. That is why it is best to practice communication, and with time it will get easier. 

Five: Avoid giving all your tasks to your underlings. 

Your underlings will appreciate it if you keep some of your original duties. It shows that you are still committed to the team and are not deserting them. As a manager, it may be challenging to do this as you might be trying to focus on other things, but this will avoid burning people out or piling everything on them. 

Six: Encourage career growth and education. 

Most individuals want to continue learning in their new roles and grow their careers. Allow time for them to do this during work hours. What they learn could benefit you and bring in innovative ideas. Additionally, teach your underlings what you know. They will greatly appreciate you sharing your experiences and expertise with them because it will make them feel valued. Share new findings, techniques, or resources. 

Seven: Take the time to train a new individual.

Training is not always everyone’s favorite task. It can be time-consuming and stressful as you balance training and your regular tasks. But proper training will minimize training in the future, and during this time, you can communicate any expectations. During your training week, make sure to formally introduce them to the other team members. Training is the time when you build your first impression as a manager and can dictate your relationship and workflow. So make the most out of it. 

What other tips will you incorporate into your teams when you own your own Casa franchise?