Collaboration drives workplace performance. In fact, a Standford study found that teams who think they are working collaboratively on a project can boost performance. Collaborating amongst team members has become even more challenging due to the fact that so many people are working remotely due to COVID.
It’s clear that collaboration is important, but how to implement it can be challening during these times. This is why Technologies Northwest is looping you into 5 ways to improve your teams collaboration.
Find a Communication Channel That Works
Whether that is Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Zoom – choose one communication network and stick to it. Keeping messaging, calendars, and meetings consistent across your team will provide them with a good foundation to begin collaborating effectively.
Figure Out How to Collaborate
Does your team work best through email? jumping on a call? or a video conference? You’ll need to figure out how your team prefers to communicate and then link that to the preferred communication channel so everyone is on the same page.
Hold Daily Check-Ins
Create transparency while also touching base with your team by holding daily 30 minute conversations based on your team’s preferred communication method. Each person on the team can discuss what they accomplished the previous day and goals for the current day. Doing this will also give everyone insight into what their colleagues are working on and sets the tone for having a productive day.
Lead with Compassion
No one expected 2020 to turn out this way – all of a sudden, employees are being asked to continue excelling in their careers while also staying on top of their home life. A lot of times this leads to interuppted meetings, family emergencies or people needing to work a more flexible schedule to keep their lives balanced. Key word: be human. Your team needs permission to be messy right now. Building trust and a safe environment is the goal right now, without this your team won’t be able to collaborate effectively.
Overcommunicate
Communication is key to successful collaboration, oftentimes all it takes is asking a simple question, clarification or requesting more information. Are you not 100% clear on next steps? Send an email and ask. Keeping everyone in the loop and on the same page is more important now than ever, and having good and clear communication from the top is vital.
Using these collaboration techniques will keep your company running efficiently and smoothly, whether people are working remotely or in the office.
For more tips, feel free to contact us.
Happy Collaborating!
