As a business owner, undoubtedly you have created a team of
people who are different in many ways – personality, temperament, age,
experience, knowledge, etc. And, there are days in which those differences come
to a head in the workplace leading to disagreements and grumpiness, which can
lead to a reduction in productivity and positivity.
How do you keep the team together in a healthy manner? Here
are some examples:
·
Have an occasional “gripe fest:” Now, that doesn’t
mean to hold a finger pointing festival in which team members start accusing
each other of childish actions, but instead consider it an exercise in
productive, collective venting. Are there certain behaviors that each member
displays that drives opposing team members crazy? Talk about it in an encouraging
and supportive manner and try to get to the root of the issue.
·
Participate in team building exercises:
Sometimes it’s necessary to blow off some collective steam. The team (including
the boss) has been cranking it out like a fine tuned machine; however it’s time
for some fun. Go do something as a team one day after work. Go to a movie, go
to a show, and then head to dinner. Break bread and have fun. Nourish the team
spirit.
·
Remember to “accept the things I cannot change:”
Do you have an employee that becomes sensitive, another employee who is a
genius but a bit scattered, or one who is sometimes too smart for their own
britches? They all have traits that you appreciate or you wouldn’t have hired
them. Of course, it’s important to work on their skills, but remember; occasionally
it takes a while for them to learn the new environment and people. They wouldn’t
be a member of the team if you didn’t want them there.
And
finally, always being part of a team means a lot of things – good, great and not
so great. If everyone can just continue to remember the long term goal –
everyone will be a winner!
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