business and cultivated within the team, which leads to poor performance. Other factors such as transparency and visible/accessible managers are essential to building trust, engagement and co-operation between team members. CLEAR COMMUNICATIONS Communicating clearly is essential in the team-building process, and once again this principle has to be established by management. It starts with clearly defined goals and expectations for the team-building process. Communicating with and between team members must be done frequently through “1 on 1s,” team meetings and every other means used by the team. As noted by UCB, communication and meeting guidelines must be established that stress “everyone’s ideas are valuable and encourages teams to share information and engage in problem solving.” An equally important part of communicating clearly is “listening.” Team members must learn how to listen effectively. All too often in group and 1 on 1 meetings, the listener is more intent on their response to the one speaking than listening to what is being said. Once a speaker is finished, team members should then consider comments on the speaker’s thoughts. Let’s be honest. For the most part, people are “bad” listeners. Effective listening needs to be reinforced at all times and specifically by team members who are leading meetings. According to Snack Nation.com as an example, companies should turn product and service brainstorming into “listening brainstorms.” During these sessions, the team practises their listening skills by having the person who is speaking holding a prop to signify it is her or his time to speak. After the speaker is finished, all team members relay what they heard along with their comments. “Listening to brainstorms are workouts for people’s listening muscles.” COOPERATION High-performance teams work together in a productive and effective manner. This principle is the essence of teamwork and the most difficult to achieve. Teams are made up of members who have widely differing personalities. The potential for conflict between team members, whether visible to fellow members or hidden below the surface of the team dynamic, is always present. There are a number of steps that can be taken to improve team co-operation. Chron.com recommends including “a method for resolving disputes that avoids focusing on winners and losers.” Disputes are going to happen. Dispute resolution rules help sort them out. Another way to promote co-operation is team-building activities. These events will help to solidify relationships between team members and make each team member comfortable working through more difficult issues with the team. Other ideas include team members “taking breaks” together, i.e., go for coffee, exercise together, etc. (refer to sidebar on teamwork event planners). Another principle used by high-performing teams is recognition of and showing gratitude to team members. One of the top concerns of employees about their work environment is that they do not receive recognition for the work they are doing. This concern is not a “cry” for awards or similar recognition events. Most often, they are looking for a simple “thank you” from a supervisor or fellow employee. A teamwork implementation process is changing the culture of the company. Recognition is a vital piece of the puzzle. Recognition is needed to validate the importance of the process and raise its visibility amongst staff. Most importantly, teams need to celebrate milestones that have been achieved. A final principle is measurement. The team-building process must be a fluid process that includes change when needed as team members learn how to function within its culture. Teams must regularly measure how the process is working and take action to make the process more effective. Team members must directly participate by providing feedback on how the system is working. By soliciting feedback on a regular basis, adjustments can be made and the process improved accordingly. Teamwork. Not a notion or a simple corporate statement. It’s an ongoing process. To have effective teams, it takes work, commitment and management support. Do the work; get the results! 14 CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS corporatemeetingsnetwork.ca Contact Us Today! 877-373-7383  level12.com The Ultimate Bike Build Team Building Program Change a child’s life in a day!  Contact Us Today! 877-373-7383 level12.com “I had the unforgettable opportunity to witness and participate  in LEVEL 12’s Bike Build Team Building portion of our conference!  Dan  has  transformed  the  lives  of  our  high  performing  team  members”  Territory Sales Manager ‐ Google  The Ultimate Bike Build Team Building Program Change a child’s life in a day! “I had the unforgettable opportunity to witness and participate in LEVEL 12’s Bike BuildTeam Building portion of our conference! Dan has transformed the lives of our high performing team members” Territory Sales Manager -