Effective team-building is one of the most sought-after and frequently discussed factors in a group work environment, but many are unsure of how to approach their team-based improvement effort. Though there are countless corporate strategy textbooks out there offering standardized formulas and suggesting activities, the reality is that team-building is much more of an art than a science.

When you are managing relationships between human beings and trying to build trust and respect, your methods need to be as diverse as the personalities you are dealing with. Rather than subscribing to any specific program or corporate formula, it is best to work off of some larger concepts. The following three concepts for team-building in the workplace are open-ended enough to guide your thinking without being so rigid and detailed as to handcuff your decision-making. Read on to learn how to ensure your employees are part of an all-star team.

• Make sure your team understands your business goals. You cannot expect a cohesive and committed effort to attaining business goals if your team is unaware of what those are. Corporate textbooks will tell you to outline a “mission statement,” and this is good advice, though involving your team in the creation of this statement can be an excellent way encourage teamwork, inclusion, and engagement.
• Make your team feel comfortable taking risks. Your team members should feel as though they have your respect and trust. They should feel comfortable taking reasonable risks by their own volition, whether it be suggesting a new idea in meetings, or taking action in a business deal when there is no time to consult you. If your staff feel as though they are walking on eggshells, or that they must run every decision past you, morale will drop and your employees will feel more like worker bees than team members.
• Communication is key! Your team should feel extremely comfortable expressing their thoughts, whether they be criticisms, complaints, or potential solutions to problems the company is facing. Team members must know they will be paid attention to, heard out, and listened to by a boss and team who are both making an effort to understand. This atmosphere promotes clarity and efficiency, as any uncertainty is immediately addressed.

These team-building tips can really help you boost morale around the office. If you’re looking for more ways to get your office buzzing, look into a Benecaid Health Spending Account and really treat your staff to something special! Learn more at http://benecaid.wpengine.com/health-spending-account.