7 ways to build a successful, strength-based team

The world of work may have changed a lot in the past couple of years, but a strong team is just as important as it’s ever been.

Building a strength-based team doesn’t just benefit the company’s bottom line: it also leads to better collaboration and problem-solving. Research also shows that risk-taking and innovation is more likely if people feel like they’re supported by a strong team. It can mean happier and more productive employees to boot.

So how can you build a team like that? Here are 7 expert strategies to try.

Strategy 1: Hire the right people

To build a strength-based team, start by assessing your current team and identifying any gaps in skills or experience. But along with looking for a person with the right attributes, you’ll also want to think about diversity, hiring people who you get on with, and who you feel would be a good cultural fit for the team overall.

Strategy 2: Foster a respectful culture

Even the strongest workplace team will disagree at times (or often!) so it’s important to have a zero-tolerance policy for disrespect of all kinds. Leaders especially need to model this, and you’ll find that fostering a culture of mutual respect builds trust and ensure that team members feel comfortable collaborating.

Strategy 3: Share positive and negative feedback

Research shows that managers and employees often shy away from difficult conversations. But a strong team has to communicate and it all starts with a leader who can share feedback in a firm but considerate way. A ratio of 3:1 positive comments to negative ones is key. Don’t forget to acknowledge difficult conversations where you’ve identified an issue and worked on a solution – and thank your employee for taking the time to have the conversation.

Strategy 4: Set measurable team goals

If you want to strengthen the bond between team members, establish team goals and priorities you can all work towards together, perhaps on a public whiteboard or scorecard you all have access to. Of course, your employees may also have individual goals, but team goals which can be tracked and measured long-term, will keep everyone’s eye on the prize.

Strategy 5: Encourage brainstorming

The fear of making mistakes can be very real in a team setting, but strong leadership can help create an environment where everyone communicates, debates and shares ideas. We know that’s what inspires creativity and risk-taking. In turn, this can lead to your team solving problems faster and coming up with innovations that benefit your bottom line.

Strategy 6: Make learning a priority

Companies that invest in learning and training have happier and more engaged employees – that’s a fact. And when building a strong team, a culture of learning and upskilling can ensure you plug any skill gaps and upgrade your team’s ability as a whole. It also helps new hires to hit the ground running faster. You may want to look into tailored online education or corporate training in emerging technologies to keep your team performing at a high level.

Strategy 7: Recognise and celebrate wins

A strong, high-performing team needs to feel valued and recognised in the workplace – it boosts productivity, engagement and loyalty, leading to better staff retention. Plus, a recent Gallup study found that celebrating your team’s achievements doesn’t need to cost a lot, but it can have a high impact. The most memorable forms of recognition, according to the study, included public recognition via an award or commendation, private recognition from a boss, peer or customer, promotion or a monetary award such as a trip or pay increase.

We can help you build a successful team

Each of our agencies specialises in one of our industry sectors of retail, health, hospitality, education and construction. They have a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges in each sector and what’s driving candidate behaviour. Our talent guarantee also means that we are committed to making sure we’ve found you the ideal fit.

Contact national@frgteam.com today and let us help you find your people.