How to develop staff cohesiveness
Cohesiveness holds a group together voluntarily. Staff will operate better as individuals if they consider themselves part of a well-functioning, supportive, and happy team. As committed participants in the group, they are more productive, communicative, trusting, motivated, and loyal. If you want to ensure your staff becomes a winning team, you should consider these suggestions to foster cohesiveness...
1. Be aware of the features of a cohesive team.
What are the characteristics of a team you are striving to establish? According to Douglas McGregor, the ideal team displays these features:
- The atmosphere is informal, comfortable, and relaxed.
- Everyone participates in discussions. Members listen to each other. Every idea is given an adequate airing.
- The goals of the group are understood and accepted by all.
- There is constructive disagreement. The group seeks resolution rather than domination of any dissenter.
- Decisions are reached by consensus.
- Criticism is frequent, frank, and comfortable. All members are free to express their personal feelings.
- When action is agreed on, clear tasks are assigned and willingly accepted.
- Members share beliefs and values, and benefit from each other’s support and recognition.
- The group displays a united front.
- The leader does not dominate, nor does the group unduly defer to him or her.
2. Promote interaction between staff members.
Effective teamwork occurs when group members feel positive towards each other. Act as a catalyst to create and maintain a network of interpersonal relationships among group members. Arrange regular meetings that are either work-related or social. Organise an annual barbecue or similar function where colleagues can get to know each other better.
3. Set clear, attainable goals and priorities.
When everyone in the team knows ‘where we are going and why’, and helps to set those objectives, there is greater potential for cooperation and high morale.
