Category: 2020 Blogs

When you dive into what generates a successful business, the key element which reoccurs is team collaboration.

So, is team collaboration really the cornerstone of business success? and how can you ensure this is the case?

The answer is simple, yes team collaboration changes the dynamics of a business and ensures the best in the trade come together to generate fresh ideas at a quicker pace. To lead a team during collaboration you need to be the best leader possible, and this will motivate, inspire and create a high performing team.

When looking at how you can guarantee you are on the right path to leading a high performing team there are 6 steps that should be in place throughout.

Step 1

When you find yourself at the start of team collaboration the very first thing you need to do is ensure everyone is on the same page. So, share the company mission and the team goals on the given project. Furthermore, you need to explain the purpose of the team coming together and what the end goal is.

Step 2

You need to make sure everyone goes away from the first meeting knowing exactly what is expected for both the group and individually. Each individual on the collaborate team should know their role, what they need to do, what is expected and by when, and the standard set for all work.

Step 3

You need to use your team to the best of the abilities. Highlight individual strengths and give them tasks in which they excel in. This will ensure they are motivated and engaged while also making them feel valued. Furthermore, this will ensure they bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table to maximise the results of the project.

Step 4

Throughout a collaboration project you need to safeguard against individuals not communicating with one another and encourage them to speak up outside of team meetings. In order to do this, you need to use tech tools which enables everyone to communicate freely across the different departments. Additionally, you need a programme which all involved can monitor and edit progress, so everyone is always up to date with how the project is going.

Step 5

Throughout the course of team collaboration, it is vital to hold effective team meetings which stimulate productivity and refocuses all. During these meetings it is vital everyone has an input, discussing their work and how they are progressing. Additionally, these meetings provide the opportunity for all to come together, share their knowledge and insights and generate ideas together to showcase their creativity as a team.

Step 6

The last step is that of being honest and open with the team. Communicating during the course of the project is vital to be a successful leader. You need to be honest when problems arise and let the team help overcome issues. Furthermore, you need to communicate effectively if something is not working and needs changing, do this respectfully and offer support if needed. More importantly, you need to communicate when things have been successful and praise your team, so they do not leave meetings feeling deflated.

These 6 steps will help to create a successful collaboration team that thrive when working together. It is important to lead by example and maintain the standard set for everyone to follow and work to. Collaboration work needs to have a dynamic group of individuals who will all bring something to the table, but they also need a leader who will listen, share their knowledge and guide meetings to maximise the benefits of collaborating as a team, thus leading to greater business success.

Activity based working in the modern era.

When trying to bloom within to create a highly competitive business with a burning desire to be the best, how do you do this? In the modern era of office structures could Activity Based Working (ABW) simply be the best solution to take you to the top; to help you attract and retain the best talent in your industry; to improve performance, motivation and collaborative work.

What is ABW?

If you are finding yourself wondering about modernising your office environment, you might want to consider ABW. Before doing so you need have a level of awareness on what this entails, the benefits, the problems and solutions.

So, let us explain what ABW means for you. Merely, this is the proposition of opting to transform your office into multiple workstations. Ranging from open seating tables, bookable pods and meeting rooms, breakout areas, casual lounge spaces, booths and huddle spaces. This allows employees to select where to work dependent upon their work each given day.

What are the benefits of ABW?

When thinking about change it is always important to balance out the benefits against the problems that a motion to modernise may bring. Exploring these will be a key tool in establishing if this is a path you wish to pursue.

The first benefit would be how this can help enhance productivity and enjoyment. Each individual is able to schedule their work in a way that best suits what they need to do and who they need to do this with. ABW means they all have optimal options for their day whether it be to work independently or as a team to collaborate content or share group knowledge. Thus, creating a captivating, focused team. Therefore, with a workforce who are focused and enjoying their job comes increased productivity. Additionally, supporting collaborative work means people can collectively put their ideas together on a face-to-face basis.

Secondly, this enhances employees’ autonomy providing them with a level of empowerment over their work. Why you ask? This is due to individuals having the choice of work spaces rather than the same desk daily. In return this will accentuate work ethics and inspire people to work to their best abilities.

Balancing independent and collaborate work becomes effortless and eradicates the challenges of locating a space to work as a team. Juxtaposition to this, individual pods allow for time to work alone in private with ease.

Another advantage would be an increase in employee engagement and culture of connections as a direct result from creating an ABW structure. Employees are no longer tied down to a desk and interact with everyone.

The next benefit would be how ABW can guarantee office space is used more efficiently. Maximising the space can help you to employee further talented individuals without the need to relocate.

Lastly ABW can support the business in the attraction and retention of the best talent. Millenniums tend to shine towards such modern concepts due to the empowerment it provides. It can also be argued how ABW considers the employees well being and creates a sense of trust. Thus, attracting the talent you need to carry your business forward.  ­­­

What problems can arise with ABW? And what are the solutions to overcome them?

There will always be a need to consider the problems which may arise from using ABW. This will help decide whether ABW is still for your business.

The first problem to mention would be the excess noise which comes with this structure. This is easily resolved with the use of acoustic pods, screens and seating booths.

The second problem is it will be on a first come first serve when needing an area to work. However, the use of an electronic booking system with time slots ensure everyone is aware when an area such as a pod/booth is being used. Thus, minimising disruptions and safeguarding against any delays in employees’ meetings.

The third problem would link to the resistance to change. Some employees may not be happy with the idea of ABW and would rather they all have their own personal desk. Running meetings and training sessions to demonstrate the benefits would help them understand the change and why this would be valuable to the company and employees.

The last problem to mention would be the reduced space for storage of personal belongings. However, by providing lockers for people to use at their own choice would resolve such problem.

So, if the problems sound like something you can overcome then you can reap in the benefits ABW can bring. Create a detailed plan, speak to your current employees and take the opportunity.