Cooperation in the team - a regular review is worthwhile

Recently at the end of an initial meeting for a team coaching: "Thank you very much, that was very informative and convincing. I can very well imagine us working together when we see a challenge ..." So far, so good ...

But: There are still managers in companies who take action when employees openly express their dissatisfaction, conflicts are already bubbling up, goals are no longer being achieved, layoffs are on the rise, or employees drop out. Such developments can be recognized much earlier if not only the individual employees, but increasingly also the collective is picked up. Difficult situations often arise because teamwork is no longer successful.

Surveys of employees and individual discussions are good ways to pick up the individual. But what is the situation like in the individual teams or departments? Does the teamwork still work? Do all members still identify with the values and goals? Does each team member feel respected and valued? Do they trust each other? Is the potential being exploited or is there still more to be done?

These and other questions can be answered in team check-ups. When does such a check-up make sense? Gladly on a regular basis. The best time is when there are no obvious problems or challenges. This could be the following situations:

- The team has been in existence for a long time, and the cooperation should be generally reflected upon.

- The connections and the trust among each other should be reviewed and strengthened.

- The existing roles and responsibilities are to be constructively questioned

- The team wants to review the existing understanding of goals and values.

- The team wants to better exploit its potential or reach a new milestone.

- The team wants to tackle a new topic (sales, strategy, vision, etc.) or improve on an existing one.

But there are also obvious reasons which speak for conducting a joint workshop. Here are a few examples:

- The form of collaboration, organization or processes has changed due to internal or external influences

- The team composition has changed due to fluctuations and new appointments.

- Routine creeps in, the team threatens to remain in the status quo.

- Uncertainties prevail in the team about a certain topic or about further general development

- The values and/or goals within the team have changed

- The common identification is no longer noticeable

- There are signs of wear and tear and friction in the team

- There are differences or open conflicts

From the insights gained in the workshop, the team derives concrete action steps that are supported by all team members.

In an earlier article I described how such a workshop can take place.

Once is "not once

How often should you conduct a team check-up? Quite simply: as needed. However, it is clear that one workshop is not enough. The achievement of the set development goals and the general mood in the team should be checked continuously. But there is no golden rule. Depending on the topic and its degree of effectiveness, it may make sense to conduct a monthly team check-up at the beginning. If the goal is to check whether the team is on track, a rhythm of three months can be useful. In addition, there is nothing to stop you from holding a spontaneous workshop if necessary.

Benefits for the entire company

In addition to the results achieved, which consist of defined solution approaches and action steps, the team or the entire company can derive the following benefits from a team check-up:

- The sensitivities within the team are known

- Challenges are recognized at an early stage

- The connection within the team is sustainably strengthened

- A common understanding of values and goals is established

- There is clarity regarding roles, goals and responsibilities.

- Identification with the team/company is strengthened

- The team receives the collective confirmation that it is (again) on course.

- Motivation and team spirit are rekindled

- A strong basis for further joint work is created.

When have you planned your next team check-up?