Six strategies to building a stronger team

Drake Editorial Team

Six Strategies to Building a Stronger TeamIn business, the main focus is often on the bottom line, and things like relationships get pushed to the back burner. But relationships are important in business, whether you are talking about relationships with your customers, your team members, or even yourself. By putting strategies in place to improve team building and intrapersonal relationships at work, you'll not only enjoy a happier, healthier workplace but you might just see a positive impact on the bottom line as well. Here are six strategies to help you build stronger team and intrapersonal relationships among your employees.

1. Set clear expectations.
   Are you trying to establish an overall environment where everyone feels like they are part of a big team working together toward a common goal, or are you trying to establish a smaller group to work on a specific project? Knowing where you are headed will help you get there with fewer headaches and setbacks.
2. Share your knowledge and encourage them to share theirs.
   If someone has a problem that you can help with, speak up. By sharing your expertise, you not only save the person the time and trouble of searching for the solution, but also earn their respect and trust, which makes the whole team stronger. On the flip side, ask for advice and be willing to listen to their ideas and implement them in your own projects.
3. Say good things about other people.
   It makes people feel good to hear that you're praising them behind their backs. Too many times, the only things people say when you're not present are negative. Turn that around to show your team members that you really are on their side and that you support their efforts.
4. Encourage collaboration.
   Encourage employees and team members to form smaller teams to a specific project, task, or goal. Working together on a project is a great way for people to get to know each other better.
5. Ask questions.
   This is a great way to get a conversation going. When you ask questions, the person you're talking to feels like you're really interested in what they have to say, which makes your relationship stronger.
6. Develop your friendship.
   Friends do other things together besides work. Whether it's golf, bowling, or participating in a charity project together, activities outside of work help cement your friendship and make it stronger. Spending time with people shows them that they are important to you.

Building strong intrapersonal relationships within your team creates a work environment that is more conducive to working together and getting things done. This increased productivity affects the company's bottom line and makes your entire team more valuable to management.

Copyright © 2005-2012 Joel Garfinkle, All Rights Reserved.Joel Garfinkle is recognized as one of the top 50 leadership coaches in the U.S. As an executive coach he has worked with many of the world’s leading companies, including Google, Amazon,  Starbucks, Deloitte, Cisco Systems, Oracle, Ritz-Carlton, Citibank, Microsoft, and many more. He is the author of seven books, including Getting Ahead: Three Steps to Take Your Career to the Next Level. Learn more about his books, executive coaching services and over 300 FREE articles at www.GarfinkleExecutiveCoaching.com. You can also subscribe to his Fulfillment@Work newsletter and receive the FREE e-book, 41 Proven Strategies to Get Promoted Now!”