Synergy Unleashed: Embracing Team Working Principles For Collective Success

Introduction

The saying goes that “teamwork makes the dreamwork”, but how can you build a high-performance team? It all starts with having strong and clear Team Working Principles that team members agree to and follow – a set of guiding principles that promote collaboration, communication, and, overall, the success within and as a team rather than just the sum of the parts. This is not to be confused with a list of rules! It should represent a shared philosophy that shapes the team's culture, fosters unity, and gives team members a sense of belonging.

Definition Of Team Working Principles

In a way, the Team Working Principles document works as the unwritten constitution of the Team, that is, a set of values and guidelines that govern how team members should collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the project's success. It is the foundation of the team culture, removing ambiguity, defining the project ethics and clarifying what is the expected behavior of team members.

When Does Team Working Principles Come Into Play?

Team working principles come into play during various team activities, such as regular meetings, project planning sessions, problem-solving discussions, and daily interactions. These principles help define how team members communicate, make decisions, resolve conflicts, and work together toward common goals.

Establishing and reinforcing team working principles is an ongoing process, and they are typically introduced and discussed early in the team formation process. Regular reviews and reflections on these principles may occur during team meetings or as part of a team's continuous improvement efforts.

Who Designs The Team Working Principles?

The design of team working principles is a collaborative effort typically involving all members of the team. While the team leader or manager may initiate the process and facilitate the discussion, the aim is to engage the entire team in establishing principles that reflect shared values and expectations.

Ideally, team working principles are co-created through open communication, active participation, and input from all team members. This collaborative approach ensures that the principles are inclusive, aligned with the team's goals, and reflective of the collective values and norms of the team.

How To Implement Team Working Principles?

By using the tips below, you have a great start to get a Team Working Principles document that everyone will want to follow:

• Open Communication: Foster a culture of open and transparent communication. Encourage team members to express ideas, share concerns, and collaborate openly. This principle ensures that people can say what is in their minds and everyone feels listened to.

• Shared Accountability: Instil a sense of shared accountability within the team. Although tasks will be assigned individually, it’s a team effort, therefore, collective success should be celebrated. This principle promotes a mindset of collaboration where everyone has a role to play and knows how they are contributing to the ‘big picture’.

• Continuous Learning: The different ceremonies of Agile advocate continuous Learning by default (e.g. Retrospectives) but you can also use the Team Principles to emphasize a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Encourage team members to share knowledge, seek feedback, and invest in their professional development.

• Respect and Empathy: Ethics is an overlooked concept in project management and one that you should be mindful of when building your Team Principles. Let us cultivate an environment of respect and empathy, where differences are accepted and everyone supports and values each other.

Benefits Of Team Working Principles

The numerous advantages that arise from embracing team working principles are as follows :

1. Enhanced Productivity: One of the primary benefits of team working principles is the significant boost in productivity levels. When individuals collaborate and work together towards a common goal, tasks are executed with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Improved Innovation and Creativity: Teamwork principles foster an environment that thrives on creativity and innovation. When people from different backgrounds and disciplines come together, diverse perspectives and ideas are generated.

3. Increased Employee Morale and Job Satisfaction: Teamwork principles have a positive impact on employee morale and job satisfaction. When individuals work in cohesive teams, they feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

4. Better Decision-Making: By leveraging the collective intelligence of team members, organizations can make more informed and effective decisions. Teamwork principles encourage open and transparent communication, which facilitates the exchange of different perspectives and viewpoints.

5. Enhanced Learning and Skill Development: When individuals work as part of a team, they have the opportunity to learn from their peers' strengths and experiences. Teamwork principles promote knowledge sharing and skill development, creating an environment conducive to continuous learning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, team working principles serve as the bedrock of effective collaboration, providing a shared framework that guides interactions, decisions, and behaviors within a team. Crafted through collaborative efforts and inclusive discussions, these principles are a reflection of the team's values, fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and mutual respect. By establishing clear expectations and norms, team working principles contribute to a positive working environment, enhance communication, and create a foundation for problem-solving and innovation.