Ask the Coach - How to Foster Teamwork and Collaboration
By: Merrill Pierce
Dear Coach,
Do you have advice about working with a group of people who work in remote locations? Since Covid, we have been working from home and at times it is incredibly challenging to get folks to work together on projects. Many lack the interest in collaboration. I have asked my boss to help us with ideas to work more closely as a team but would welcome your prospective.
Thank you!
This is an issue that has come up quite frequently since the shift the workforce experienced during the pandemic. Whether team members work in proximity in the same physical space or remotely, effective collaboration is crucial for achieving good results.
Establishing strong collaboration requires intentional efforts and this is even more challenging when remote work has become the norm. Successful collaboration includes several key elements including, shared understanding of goals, deliverables products, or services. Agreement on guiding values, principles, or norms; structured processes, clear roles and responsibilities and adequate resources. Even with these essential building blocks in place, some teams till struggle due to individuals who are not naturally inclined to collaborate.
Here are some ways to motivate those who are less inclined to work more openly with others in a collaborative way.
Be a supporter – to grow and foster collaboration, be open to the conversation and input from them. Statements such as “I like your suggestions,” or “that sounds like an interesting idea,” often lets team members know that their ideas are valued and considered.
Ask and listen – when someone is having a tough time collaborating, take the time to find out why. Ask them to share their concerns or feelings, starting the conversation with, “what can you tell me about that issue?” Then, listen to their answer.
Offer choices, not demands. Managers should hold team members accountable when they refuse to collaborate, but when dealing with a person who is reluctant, threats or severe consequences tend to be counterproductive. Try asking them to come back to you with one or two ideas the next day. Give them space to think.
Reinforce the benefits of collaboration and teamwork – Talk about it in a way that is beneficial to all involved. Creates great culture, opens lines of communication, benefits are shared – all this can become a shared value.
With the right approach, anyone can be a valued collaborator. Everyone has good ideas. All it takes is a little time and care to ensure that all embers of your team feel valued, appreciated, and heard.
Best of luck
Best,
Merrill
