National Learning Institute

How to develop teamwork

Teamwork is about sharing, trust and dependance among members. 

Contact us for a free copy of the Team Process Evaluation.

Do your people need to depend on one another for resources, completion of tasks, or results? If so, you have a "team" that needs to be led and developed. If not, you will have a "group" that needs to be managed.

Tips for further development of teamwork.

• Hold regular team meetings (at least fortnightly) to discuss future plans. Note: these meetings should be;
  • 80% future-oriented
    (i.e. what are we going to be doing over the next few weeks, months etc?
    and only -
  • 20% past-oriented
    (i.e. what have we achieved, what have been the implications, what are the challenges or problems to be faced?).
• The 80/20 rule should be rigidly adhered to in all team meetings if you really want to develop "teamwork".
• Regularly look for people who have put in extra effort or have achieved a good result. Recognise these people by thanking them with a special note or publicly at the next team meeting (as appropriate to the person).
• Encourage people who do not regularly work together (or who do not seem to get on well) to work together on small projects.
• Always do what you say you will do, lead by example.

You can find a number of relevant articles in the Teams & Team Building section of this website.