5 Tips to Make Team Projects More Streamlined and Efficient

Tip #1: Share the goal with everyone.

There is no reason the goal should be a secret from the members of the group. If the goal for the group is to name a new product, or to come up with a way for the company to be more eco-friendly, let everyone know. Announce the goal before the team meets. Then announce the goal as the meeting starts. Thank everyone for working on the goal when the meeting ends.

Tip #2: Let people work with their strengths.

One of the biggest mistakes a team can make is to not take advantage of each team member’s strengths. Some team members may be artistic. Others may have great business acumen. Others may have scientific knowledge. Others will have other talents and abilities, that can help with a project or a goal. Ask your team right from the start, “How do you think you can best contribute to this goal?” Don’t assume you know their best contribution just from their job title. They may have knowledge that goes beyond their current job title. A team works well when each member adds in their strengths.

Tip #3: Nip team squabbles in the bud.

Some people just like to argue or bicker with each other. If things go beyond a little back and forth, then a team manager needs to step in and mediate. Team squabbles with be detrimental to a team. It should be clear they will not be tolerated. Team members should understand they need to treat each other with respect and professionalism.

Tip #4: Try brainstorming or group exercises.

This is especially useful if your group is having a challenging time coming up with ideas. In brainstorming there are no “bad” ideas, only ideas. And you never know what idea can be useful, the goal with brainstorming is to come up with and write as many ideas as you can. Doing this as a team can “spark” lots of ideas and be very helpful to finding solutions together.

Tip #5: Gather feedback after the team project.

Don’t ignore this step once your team project is done. “How could be have done better?” Is a question to ask each team member. This question can be posed about the team and also each individual. This is less meant to be critical of your efforts, no matter your rate of success, but more to learn about how you can be better the next time. Most work team groups wind up doing project after project together. If you gather feedback about how the team can work better for the next time, this may make your next project even better than you expected it to be. And best of all, your team will feel that you are listening to them with an open communication style.

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