Team Camaraderie

Blog:

Team camaraderie within a workplace is of the utmost importance in being able to retain top talent and to be able to create an enjoyable workplace environment. Teamwork is the root at which an enjoyable workplace comes from, and in order to implement an environment like this into your organization, let’s dive into what teamwork is. Andrew Carnegie has defined teamwork as, “The ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”

With this definition in mind, let’s talk about some ways in which positive team camaraderie can be achieved:

1. Communication is key
   Communication within your team is important to be able to maintain fluidity within your work. In order to be a good communicator, you must be able to be a good listener. This is key to be able to acknowledge your team members and build their trust. On top of listening, don’t be afraid to give encouragement and collaborate on new ideas or opportunities. Allow others to jump in and express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions. In doing so, the team will create a work-life culture that is committed to its work, and the team will be happy while doing so.
2. Respect the differences of individuals and celebrate their values
   To build a healthy team-oriented environment, you need to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of all members of your team.  The goal is to be able to recognize how every person fits into the big picture of the organization and for each to feel valued for their strengths. A fun way to get everyone involved is to have everyone take a personality assessment or Meyer’s Briggs. This is a fun activity that can allow for the team to play to its strengths based on its knowledge of what the team has to offer collectively.
3. Involve the team in activities outside of work
   A great way to create an unbreakable team bond is allowing for those relationships to be built outside of the workplace as well. A great way of doing this is by planning a fun team outing.  Some examples of this would be: bowling, team dinner, going to an escape room, go-cart racing, etc. Allowing the team to get to know each other outside of the work environment gives them a better opportunity to know each other’s personalities, experiences, and even get to know their values and what makes them an asset to your team.
4. Celebrate successes together
   Employees appreciate and value their team members’ acknowledgement. Being genuinely thoughtful and respectful builds trust and loyalty in the workplace. Encourage this sense of connection and commitment between peers after facing a common challenge, working together to achieve success, and coming out on top. By sharing those stories and how everyone overcame their challenges, there will be a boost in the team’s attitude toward working together.

The benefits that come with your team building a strong bond are that they will overall perform better. This will be shown through their ability to work as a team and to push toward goals; it will also boost employee retention rates, since overall employee morale is boosted.