Unlocking Team Potential in Today’s Dynamic Workplace: Key Takeaways from LHH’s Toronto Event on Team Effectiveness
If your teams are struggling, you aren’t alone. This recap of an LHH Team Effectiveness event in Toronto outlines the key takeaways of team dynamics.
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Key Takeaways
- Organizations need to ruthlessly prioritize and maintain clear communication given rising workplace complexity (team growth, generational diversity, hybrid/remote work.)
- Don’t immediately problem-solve. Diagnose core issues before jumping to solutions; ensure team purpose aligns with organizational goals.
- When company context changes (e.g. acquisitions, layoffs, change in leadership, etc), foster agility and flexibility; regularly reassess team purpose.
- Prioritize recognition and in-person gatherings to build trust, motivation, and belonging.
LHH recently hosted industry leaders in Toronto for a working discussion that explored effective teams. The lively discussions underscored the importance of high-performing teams. Regardless of where you work, teams are top of mind, yet many are struggling to find their footing.
Here are some of the challenges and insights we explored:
Exponential Increase in the Number and Size of Teams
The number and size of teams have grown exponentially, leading to increased fatigue among team members. One leader shared a strategy called "ruthless prioritization" to handle the sheer volume of requests. This approach involves critically assessing tasks and focusing only on what truly matters.
Navigating Four Generations in the Workplace
With four generations coexisting in the workplace, associated complexities can undermine fundamentals like belonging and trust. Communication is key—it's essential to flesh out assumptions about working norms to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Hybrid and Remote Work Challenges
Hybrid and remote offices mean spending less time together and being unaware of the challenges other team members face, known as the Mutual Knowledge problem. It’s crucial to get together in person with a shared purpose to bridge these gaps.
Avoiding the Tendency to Jump to Solutions
There's a common tendency to jump straight to solutions to address team issues, like organizing a team offsite. However, as the facilitator pointed out, it's important to ask, "What’s going to be different after the offsite?" First, diagnose the core issues, then explore appropriate solutions.
Addressing Motivation and Engagement
Motivation, or lack thereof, in both individual team members and the overall team was a significant topic. Enterprise thinking—linking the team's purpose to the broader organizational purpose—can help. Clear rules of conduct are also vital when rebuilding engagement and trust.
The Need for Agility in Teams
Teams need to be agile and adapt as contexts change, which means regularly reconsidering the team’s purpose. The ability to flex and pivot is critical for sustained success.
The Importance of Recognition and Belonging
Lastly, we discussed the importance of recognition in increasing a sense of belonging. Whether it's a "you rock" card or another form of acknowledgment, recognition plays a key role in fostering a positive team environment.
Poll Results and Reflections
During the session, we conducted a poll with three questions that indicated most people feel connected to their teams, but there is still work to be done, particularly in fostering agility.
The breakfast event was a meaningful opportunity to discuss the essential elements of effective teamwork. Remember, building high-performing teams is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and adaptation.
Want to take your team's effectiveness to the next level? Book a call with one of our LHH Team specialists today. Together, we can help you refine your strategies and ensure your teams are primed for success.