Five Ways To Form Strong Networks Outside Your Own Team

Having an efficient team is a sure shot way of gaining regontion and laurels at the work place. But to keep consistency it is essential to develop relationships beyond your immediate team. Having people in different departments not only makes you known but also helps in strengthening the productivity of your own team. Moresha Benjamin sheds light on some important things to keep in mind while establishing rapport outside your department

Interact Regularly 
“Interaction is one of the strong mediums to develop network outside your team,” says Sunil Goel, Director, GlobalHunt. To start with, it could be related to work and occasionally one could share one’s experience which compliments each other’s work interest as well. It has been observed that one department’s work remains held up due to non-proactive approach of other related department. 

Garner Support “Develop a rapport with the other team or department. Having an understanding with another department many a times bails you out during an emergency situation,” says Sangeeta Lala, VP, Team Lease Services. With in organisation, a team always gets an opportunity to do its part of job. The team should be proactive and help other departments so that the common goal of the organisation is achieved, thinks Goel. Supportive nature of the person always develops a great network outside the team.

Use Top-down Approach Have the communication channels open. “If you are the team leader then strive towards building good relations with heads of other departments. This will help increase productivity of your team because resources from other teams will be available to you for achieving your targets,” says Lala. “If I am not getting a long with a function head of another, it will always show in my work and my team’s productivity.”

Organise Workshops Conducting workshops outside office environment breaks ice between departments. In large organisations, many a times there is less or no visibility of functioning of other departments. Organising outings helps break that wall. One thing to keep in mind, says Goel, is to avoid interactions that are designed for only a segment of the departments. Make sure to add programmes and events that appeal to large majority of the workforce present.

Have Joint Reviews Initiate projects where your team and other departments can work together on. This aids in understanding what kind of role each department plays in functioning of the organisation. A feedback session during the course of the project helps both teams to work more efficiently in achieving the target assigned. Have joint reviews of departments on a regular basis, says Lala. “It helps in clearing obstacles and developing new methods in achieving the same. Also team members gain recognition for their work when it’s discussed by their respective heads during a joint review session.”


(The Economic Times, Mumbai, 05-07-2011)

Five Ways To... Build Great Teams At Work

You may be an excellent solo worker in your organisation, but the real challenge lies in being a superb team mate. The value of effective teamwork cannot be overstated and that’s why organisations world over crave for good team builders. Mahima Puri lists some ways to build great teams at the workplace.

Know Thy People A good team builder is the one who knows about his people and is always on the look out for their well-being.. “All players in a team may not be equal just like the fingers of our hands but each and every team player has a specialty. It is essential to understand this fact and respect every person for his or her individuality and skills,” says Alok Jain, EVP & COO at ASPIRE Human Capital Management. Agrees Talent Advisory Services founder Gita Dang, “Every one is different and should be handled differently. It’s important to accept others’ perspective and act accordingly.”

Instill Responsibility 

One should work towards developing good traits in team members. This will help them in carrying out their professional responsibilities. Overall, one should work towards making his teammates proficient in their work. Gaurang Kamath (name changed), who works with a BPO in Bangalore, learnt that delegating work made people more responsible towards their work. “If you give them alittle flexibility and power, they will be more enthusiastic towards work and the team as a whole,” Kamath adds. 

Communicate Effectively
Communication skills play a pivotal role in creating good teams. One should know how to communicate with not only seniors but also with subordinates along with other key stakeholders. “Always encourage your team to share their views and new ideas,” says Mr Jain. “Hearing out your teammates gives them a positive feedback that they are being valued. This motivates them to put in their 100% in any project,” he adds. “Share knowledge and use your learnings but don’t forget to customise it keeping the current working environment in mind,“ Ms Dang adds.

Be The Role Model
A good mentor is one who sets an example and inculcates a sense of responsibility in his teammates by inspiring them through his personal demeanour. However, Ms Dang points that there could be some set backs while doing this as well. “Always expect and accept a little bit of resentment and animosity from team members and learn to pave your way through it, especially if you are leading an established team.”

Make Sound Decisions
By making use of proper planning tools and problem-solving aptitude a team leader can direct team members in times of crisis. “While making a decision it is always a good idea to take into confidence your teammates. When based on the rationale of ‘common good’ the decisions will bring out desired results and help in the successful completion of the task,” Mr Jain says.

(The Economic Times, Mumbai, 28-06-2011)