{"id":2918,"date":"2020-07-01T09:19:15","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T09:19:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/?p=2918"},"modified":"2020-09-30T08:13:09","modified_gmt":"2020-09-30T08:13:09","slug":"effective-teamwork-hacks-loop-email","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/effective-teamwork-hacks-loop-email\/","title":{"rendered":"24 hacks for effective teamwork"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2><a>What is effective teamwork?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Effective teamwork<\/strong> is the crucial ingredient of successful businesses. Smooth processes within teams and harmonious relationships between co-workers increase productivity, generate better ideas and a more pleasurable work environment, and tackle any challenges more successfully. In the long run, these significantly increase the chances for the company to thrive in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Effective_teamwork_elements_board.jpg\" alt=\"A blackboard with teamwork elements.\" class=\"wp-image-2939\"\/><figcaption>The elements of effective teamwork.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Putting together a <em>team<\/em> of people might not be too difficult, but fostering productive <em>teamwork<\/em> requires a whole different set of skills. If you\u2019ve ever been a member of a couple of teams (your answer is probably yes), you\u2019ve undoubtedly noticed how every group of people is different. Some teams breeze through difficult tasks with ease, while others stumble or even fail to deliver. Carl Pullein, a team productivity expert shared some interesting tips and tricks on this matter in one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/si\/podcast\/in-the-loop-podcast\/id1482439012\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"In The Loop Podcasts (opens in a new tab)\">In The Loop Podcasts<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/f_HQqDYgwYI?start=1364&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why is that? What are the factors that influence teamwork effectiveness and foster thriving collaboration?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve spent many hours answering these questions when creating our teamwork platform, <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/teams\/\" target=\"_blank\">Loop Email.<\/a> <\/strong>Theoreticians of organizational behavior have spent years studying teams and putting their observations into various teamwork effectiveness models, so there was plenty to read! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog, we\u2019ve decided to combine the theory with practice; the latter coming from real-life experiences of successful businesses. By talking to great teams and their leaders, we\u2019ve put together <g class=\"gr_ gr_177 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace\" id=\"177\" data-gr-id=\"177\">a l<\/g>ist of <strong>24 hacks&nbsp;for&nbsp;effective&nbsp;teamwork<\/strong> which have significantly increased the performance of their teams and businesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8EvOIoE93vg?start=8&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Want a quick recap in video format? Click play!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Setting goals and objectives \u2013 and then communicating them to your team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #1: Setting the right goals. &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@aytekintank\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ayetkin Tank<\/strong><\/a> from JotForm finds that the main teamwork hack is for the team to look in the same direction: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><em>The big thing for JotForm has been focus. We rally entire teams, oftentimes the entire company, around <strong>a single goal<\/strong> &#8212; whether it&#8217;s a new product, a feature, a metric, whatever. And in doing that we foster an environment that&#8217;s incredibly collaborative, ruthlessly efficient, and more productive than ever. &#8211; Aytekin Tank,<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jotform.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"> JotForm<\/a><\/em> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why the first hack focuses on <strong>setting the right goals.<\/strong> Firstly, make sure your goals are <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/blog\/how-to-create-smart-goals\" target=\"_blank\">SMART.<\/a><\/strong> If they don\u2019t do not check all the requirements, <g class=\"gr_ gr_8 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace\" id=\"8\" data-gr-id=\"8\">you<\/g> team will have trouble following them and you\u2019ll have problems keeping an eye out for results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After you have carefully and thoughtfully defined the vision, mission, and the goals, make sure to stand behind it. Consistency is key because frequent shifts in direction can confuse your team. They can lead to misunderstandings, loss of focus, and send effective teamwork down the drain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SMART_goals.jpg\" alt=\"SMART goals chart.\" class=\"wp-image-2940\"\/><figcaption>How to set SMART goals? <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #2: Make your goals visible at all times. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>However, unless you share your business goals with your team, people are left in the dark. The big picture of your business efforts should be in front of your teammates\u2019 eyes often. Explain, underline, evangelize the goal. One great way is to <strong>write it on the wall or a whiteboard<\/strong> in the common area or someplace people can see it when they work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #3: Use different types of communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget that people listen, hear and understand messages in different ways, so mix up the ways you use to communicate the vision. Besides writing it on the wall, present it in the <strong>company&#8217;s weekly meeting, <\/strong>send an <strong>email with bullet points<\/strong>, include it in <strong>face-to-face meetings and performance evaluations. <\/strong>Find the way that works for your team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take advice from <a href=\"https:\/\/opensource.com\/users\/jkrieger\">Jan Krieger:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote style=\"text-align:left\" class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><em>I had an announcement that needed to go to a broad audience of people. I was concerned about how likely it was that the information would be read, much less retained, so I asked for advice from an internal communication specialist. Her advice: Expose people to <strong>at least three different methods of communication<\/strong>. This will help them retain and possibly understand what you are trying to communicate. Don&#8217;t make the mistake of sticking to one method.\u201d &#8211; <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/opensource.com\/business\/16\/7\/defining-and-communicating-team-goals\"><em>Jen Krieger,&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Hat<\/em><\/a><br> <strong>&nbsp;<\/strong> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #4: Track team goals in real-time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reaching a milestone is a big motivation boost for everyone. With all the tools available in 2019, it\u2019s increasingly easy to share progress with people. Use <strong>roadmaps<\/strong>, publish them on a big screen or give access to them online so that everyone can check on them at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartsheet.com\/free-product-roadmap-templates-smartsheet\"><strong>Find and download a roadmap template for your business<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Roadmap_example-1024x540.jpg\" alt=\"An example of a roadmap.\" class=\"wp-image-2943\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #5: Break the goal into smaller chunks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A big, ambitious goal can be paralyzing. Make it easy to digest and break it up in weekly plans and goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good practice we have in our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"LOOP (opens in a new tab)\">LOOP<\/a><\/strong> office is <strong>setting and sharing weekly goals every Monday<\/strong> \u2013 our team leader sends out an <strong>email with bullet points<\/strong> that sum up the key goals we are aiming to achieve by Friday. He then checks on the progress mid-week, syncs with the team about the finished and to-do tasks, rewards the team with some positive feedback or gives additional advice if needed. That way everyone is on the same page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #6: Tell your goal in the form of a story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Storytelling is a technique we as humans relied on for thousands of years. It\u2019s easier to truly understand and remember something if it\u2019s packed into an interesting narrative. A great example is the story of <strong>Howard Schultz,<\/strong> the mastermind behind Starbucks\u2019 success: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><em>\u201cIn 1983, Howard traveled to Italy and became captivated with Italian coffee bars and the romance of the coffee experience. He had <g class=\"gr_ gr_9 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace\" id=\"9\" data-gr-id=\"9\">a vision<\/g> to bring the Italian coffeehouse tradition back to the United States. A place for conversation and a sense of community. A third place between work and home. <\/em><\/p><p><em>He left Starbucks for a short period of time to start his own Il Giornale coffeehouses and returned in August 1987 to purchase Starbucks with the help of local investors.\u201d \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.starbucks.com.au\/The-Starbucks-Story.php\">Starbucks<\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.starbucks.com.au\/The-Starbucks-Story.php\"> <\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The story paints a clear picture of what Starbucks is and wants to be. It\u2019s a powerful portrayal of the vision and the mission anyone can understand.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Defining team roles and responsibilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #7: Chart out your employees\u2019 strengths and weaknesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone in your team is unique. They have their strengths and weakness, a specific way of thinking and interacting with others, and their pace. Great leaders put people in positions where they can excel, so your job is to assemble the people in a way that promotes effective teamwork. This <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.betterteam.com\/downloads\/employee-evaluation-form-download-20170810.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">handy evaluation form<\/a><\/strong> can be a good start to start assessing their strengths (or have a look at the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/what-list-lominger-competencies-houria-grana\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>extensive list of Lominger competencies<\/strong><\/a> if you&#8217;re in for a long-ish read). <br><br>Once you have them charted out, delegate tasks according to the strengths. According to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gallup.com\/businessjournal\/167462\/employees-strengths-company-stronger.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Gallup<\/a>, it&#8217;s much more effective to <strong>build strengths<\/strong> than it is to improve weaknesses:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><em>\u201cWhen employees feel that their company cares and encourages them to make the most of their strengths, they are more likely to respond with <strong>increased discretionary effort, a stronger work ethic, and more enthusiasm and commitment.<\/strong>\u201d <\/em> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #8: Use workflows for charting out your teamwork<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if your work processes aren\u2019t very complex, it\u2019s easier to understand them if they are presented <strong>in visual form<\/strong>. Your team will better understand what they are working on and who can help who with a specific task with the help of a <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/kissflow.com\/workflow\/workflow-mapping-can-teach-efficiency\/\" target=\"_blank\">good workflow map.<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #9: Train your team members<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the difference in competences between members and their various responsibilities, don\u2019t neglect the fact that we learn our whole lives. So if you have a team member who has the aptitude but lacks the skills your project needs, <strong>employee training&nbsp;<\/strong>is the thing for you. Knowing your team\u2019s weaknesses and strengths (see <g class=\"gr_ gr_756 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace\" id=\"756\" data-gr-id=\"756\">hack<\/g> #7!) makes it easier to find an appropriate workshop or training for each member. Moreover, the outcomes of this practice can boost the team\u2019s efficiency, morale, performance, and productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Building trust in teams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many issues that are hurting teamwork effectiveness originates from issues of <strong>trust. <\/strong>Trust is incredibly important for good interpersonal <g class=\"gr_ gr_18 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" id=\"18\" data-gr-id=\"18\">relationships,<\/g> because one of our basic human needs is the need to be<strong> safe and secure.<\/strong> We want to be in the know, so that things don\u2019t catch us off guard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And here\u2019s where <strong>transparency<\/strong> comes into play. Effective teams don\u2019t lose time worrying and guessing about the next step, wondering about secrets and hidden information because their organization is <strong>transparent, honest, and open.&nbsp;The&nbsp;organization&nbsp;has&nbsp;established&nbsp;trust.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>&#8220;In today\u2019s world, one of the greatest gifts you can give someone is the knowledge that they have been seen and they have been heard. This is because ultimately, in this day and age these two experiences are becoming so rare, and whether it be from our consumers or our co-workers, we are all competing for attention and trust and within our <g class=\"gr_ gr_7 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep\" id=\"7\" data-gr-id=\"7\">teams<\/g> this is no different. The greater leaders I\u2019ve ever worked with have never relied on their power to influence my efficiency or productivity \u2013 instead they chose a posture of generosity and trust, and in doing so I felt I was seen, I was heard, I mattered, I was valued, and ultimately I capable of more than I had ever imagined \u2013 this has been the most effective approach to leadership I have encountered and more powerful than any hack or hustle to shortcut that human investment.&#8221; &#8211;  <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/HeathEvans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Heath Evans (opens in a new tab)\">Heath Evans<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogin.co\/blog\/transparent-team-communication-why-and-how-to-embrace-it-69\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Check_list_team_trust.jpg\" alt=\"A check list of trust issues indicators in the workplace.\" class=\"wp-image-2966\"\/><\/a><figcaption> Is your team suffering from lack of trust? <a href=\"https:\/\/blogin.co\/blog\/transparent-team-communication-why-and-how-to-embrace-it-69\/\">Source<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #10: Start an open-door policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping an open-door policy means that the person in charge leaves the door metaphorically \u201copen\u201d and encourages every employee to communicate with them without reservations. Many companies have reaped the benefits of the <strong>open-policy management style<\/strong> such as improved communication, reduced uncertainty, stronger work relationships, better collaboration, and faster problem-solving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How to do that without sacrificing your own productivity? <strong>Set simple rules for everyone. <\/strong>For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>If the door to the office is open, feel free to stop by with any work issues. If the door is closed, make an appointment (unless there&#8217;s an emergency).<\/li><li>Before anyone comes to the team lead with a question, they must think it through and prepare answers to the following questions: Who does this issue affect and what are two possible solutions?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #11: Sit near each other<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can\u2019t walk a mile in your team-mate\u2019s shoes, <strong>sitting at a nearby desk<\/strong> is the next best thing. By being near the other team members, you learn about their daily tasks, struggles, and strong traits. You can easily help each other out and you both know what the other is working on without much effort on either side. This type of <strong>time-saving <\/strong>makes the team more effective in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Open_office_space.jpg\" alt=\"An open office with workers.\n\n\" class=\"wp-image-2945\"\/><figcaption>Open spaces improve teamwork.  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A study held by <strong>Thomas Allen<\/strong>, an MIT professor, showed that sitting in close proximity also promotes communication and collaboration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><em>\u201c\/\u2026\/ We are <strong>four times<\/strong> <strong>as likely <\/strong>to communicate regularly with someone sitting six feet away from us as with someone 60 feet away.\u201d \u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/channels.theinnovationenterprise.com\/articles\/3-ways-to-build-a-culture-of-belonging\" target=\"_blank\">Source<\/a><\/em> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, the same goes for digital communication, so don\u2019t rely on staying in touch just by phone or on email, but rather <strong>encourage spending time face-to-face with your team.<\/strong> If that\u2019s hard to achieve due to logistics, provide common areas where people meet or schedule regular video calls with remote teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #12: Talk openly about the negatives as well as the positives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s not necessary (or necessarily good, even) to be extremely transparent with the outside world, <strong>internal transparency and honesty<\/strong> are almost always beneficial. Trust will thrive in a team where the leader is willing to openly discuss <strong>the good and the bad<\/strong> sides of the business. Bad news travels fast whether you want it or not, and it can seriously hurt relationships if you try to hide it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Screen_results_office.jpg\" alt=\"A screen on the wall with three people.\" class=\"wp-image-2946\"\/><figcaption>Share the results with your team \u2013 the good and the bad.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One way to communicate openly is to <strong>share real-time data<\/strong> with everyone in the office, for example <strong>on a big LCD screen.<\/strong> Another is to <strong>address any challenges head-on<\/strong> in a team meeting, providing steps you&#8217;re taking to improve the situation if it&#8217;s bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #13: Choose tools that promote transparency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no doubt that technology has made teamwork faster, easier and more effective. But in some ways, it has also closed off certain information in a bubble \u2013 and sometimes it\u2019s a bubble only one person is inhabiting. <strong>Email <\/strong>is one of those tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in 2019, email is where most business begins, but because it\u2019s very individual and typically accessible to one user, it\u2019s <strong>not suited for effective teamwork.<\/strong> That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to implement tools in your team that promotes openness, accessibility, and collaboration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Wc18rpTglKI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption> Try Loop Email for efficient teamwork <g class=\"gr_ gr_3 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace\" id=\"3\" data-gr-id=\"3\">communicazion<\/g>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Our collaboration hub, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/teams\/\">Loop Email<\/a><\/strong> was designed with that in mind, so we suggest you give it a try to make your communication on email more transparent and easier to share with your team members. It combines the best of email, <g class=\"gr_ gr_6 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Grammar multiReplace\" id=\"6\" data-gr-id=\"6\">chat<\/g> messaging, and files. On top of that, it introduces a whole new way of sharing information, otherwise locked away in each member\u2019s inbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Improving team communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What is a team without communication? It\u2019s one of the cornerstones of effective teamwork, yet many teams could improve it. Where to start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #14: Learn the 4 most common communication styles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An efficient team needs clear communication, but not everyone speaks the same language. We\u2019re not talking about bilingual skills, but rather the <strong>unique ways<\/strong> your co-workers communicate and collaborate. Communication <a href=\"https:\/\/communicationstyles.org\/the-four-communication-styles\/\">experts<\/a> have defined the <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/communicationstyles.org\/the-four-communication-styles\/\" target=\"_blank\">4 most common communication styles<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>The Relator<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>The Socializer<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>The Thinker<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>The Director<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/communicationstyles.org\/the-four-communication-styles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Four_communication_styles.jpg\" alt=\"A chart of four communication styles.\" class=\"wp-image-2947\"\/><\/a><figcaption><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/communicationstyles.org\/the-four-communication-styles\/\" target=\"_blank\">The four communication styles<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve studied\nthe list, can you determine which of your team members express certain\nqualities and habits? We\u2019re not suggesting pigeonholing them into these four\ncompartments &#8211; after all, every person has his or her style, and they can sometimes intertwine. The list is\na useful resource to help you understand their strengths and motivations and <strong>communicate better within your team.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #15: Communicate and collaborate in one place <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p> It is not just about the <em>whys <\/em>when it comes to collaborating but also about the <em>hows<\/em>. We strongly advise you to resist the urge to use <strong>too many tools<\/strong> for teamwork collaboration. Keeping track of twenty different apps and platform creates chaos and adds to the stress and effectively makes your team less productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"http:\/\/fortune.com\/2017\/09\/14\/business-pros-app-fatique\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Statistics_app_usage_businesses.jpg\" alt=\"A statistic about app usage in businesses.\" class=\"wp-image-2950\"\/><\/a><figcaption>Do we need all these apps? <a href=\"http:\/\/fortune.com\/2017\/09\/14\/business-pros-app-fatique\/\">Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Implement tools and platforms that unite the tools you need <strong>inside one platform.<\/strong> One example is Loop Email, a collaboration hub that combines the <strong>most common modern business means of communication:<\/strong> email, chat, and (our novel invention) chats around emails. We call the last ones <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Loops (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/loops\/\" target=\"_blank\">Loops<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/loops\/\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong>and we believe they can really make a difference in your team communication. See how it\u2019s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/loop-email-different-other-collaboration-apps\/\">different from other collaboration apps!<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/loop-email-different-other-collaboration-apps\/\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3> HACK #16: Send meeting agendas upfront<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is one collaboration method that every effective team still needs &#8211; good old <strong>meetings.<\/strong> Sadly, these are the stats about how people feel about them: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Meetings_stats_inefficient.jpg\" alt=\"A picture with meetings statistics.\" class=\"wp-image-2952\"\/><figcaption>The uncomfortable truth about meetings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One reason is that most meetings waste a ton of time just <strong>aligning the team about the topic of the meeting.<\/strong> The other is that they tend to derail fast if there\u2019s no clear structure. And when we get to the topic, it\u2019s common that people don\u2019t have the answers at hand, so they either go searching for them, or the topic is moved to another, well, meeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A way to go about this is to <strong>send out the meeting agenda in advance<\/strong> and include a simple request: <em>\u201cPlease come prepared with any information regarding the points that concern you.\u201d<\/em> That way people in your team have already had the time to prepare \u2013 pull out data, print out notes or simply refresh their memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more tips about <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/dont-let-meetings-get-in-the-way-of-your-productivity-flow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">optimizing your meetings with Loop Email.<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #17: Start making daily calls if your team is remote <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><em>&#8220;As of the beginning of 2020, a full 41% of all global companies offer some kind of remote work opportunities. 60% of global companies provide some kind of \u201cflextime\u201d opportunities that allow workers to choose when to start and end the workday.&#8221;<\/em> <em> \u2013 <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/careerswiki.com\">careerswiki.com<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you working with a remote team? No wonder, the numbers of remote workers have risen in the past years, to the joy (and sometimes also frustration) of many. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One notable <strong>downside of remote work<\/strong> is that a lot of human interactions, important for effective teamwork, disappear. That\u2019s why it\u2019s especially important not to neglect your remote team members \u2013 and here&#8217;s where modern technology comes to the rescue!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our tip is to <strong>introduce daily calls with your remote team <\/strong>into your work routine<strong>.<\/strong> Even if the task could be communicated through email, take 5 minutes to check in with the remote worker every once in a while. Effective teamwork is built on all kinds of human communication, including informal. Do some small talk, ask about their week, enforce the feeling of belonging, rather than making them feel like an afterthought. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Building a team culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s another basic human need \u2013 the <strong>sense to belong somewhere, <\/strong>whether it\u2019s a family, group of friends, a community or, in our case, a team. Strong leaders address this fundamental need with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalnatives.hu\/blog\/building-an-honest-company-culture?utm_source=intheloop&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=effective+teamwork+hacks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"actions and habits (opens in a new tab)\">actions and habits<\/a> such as mutual respect, a sense of familiarity, and commitments to team decisions and achieve effective teamwork as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SV5cBLymr5Y?start=22&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #18: Put culture on your walls <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just\nlike primal communities, our sense of belonging thrives under the guidance of\nrules and beliefs. In our case, we\u2019re not talking about rigid guidelines\n(although those are necessary for some\nparts of the process), but rather <strong>shared\nvalues<\/strong> of the team or the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make\nthose clear in your organization \u2013 put it <strong>somewhere\nvisible<\/strong> where everyone can see it. Remember the board with the goal and\nvision? Put the values and beliefs right next to it; it\u2019s just as important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/skimm_wall_office.jpg\" alt=\"Wall at Skimm offices with quotes.\" class=\"wp-image-2956\"\/><figcaption>This is how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theskimm.com\/\">Skimm<\/a> puts <g class=\"gr_ gr_3 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace\" id=\"3\" data-gr-id=\"3\">their<\/g> culture on display.  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to values, think about <strong>stories. <\/strong>Perhaps your company has a strong message to communicate? Here are <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/inside.6q.io\/inspiring-office-ideas-that-reflect-their-company-values\/\" target=\"_blank\">some great examples<\/a><\/strong> of companies that are sharing their culture and values for everyone to see! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #19: Show the new guy some love <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Introducing new people to the team is no easy task, and it can rock the balance of the group for a while. But with these hacks, your team can be back on the path to success. The trick is to <strong>make the member feel at home and <\/strong><g class=\"gr_ gr_38 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" id=\"38\" data-gr-id=\"38\"><strong>comfortable<\/strong>,<\/g> because that&#8217;s the best environment for them to contribute in the best possible way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective\nteams connect on a level that\u2019s more than just work related. They talk about\ninformal topics, share hobbies, and have lunches together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><em>\u201cAt Google, for example, hiring managers are reminded to complete five critical tasks on new hires&#8217; first day. These tasks include having a roles and responsibilities discussion, matching the new hire with a peer buddy, helping the newbie build a social network, setting onboarding check-ins once a month for the first six months, and encouraging continuous open dialogue.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/channels.theinnovationenterprise.com\/articles\/3-ways-to-build-a-culture-of-belonging\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Source<\/a> <\/em> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2>Encourage creativity in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #20: Give people room to breathe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Being open to new ideas or feedback leads to effective teamwork. Why? Most competent employees do things best on their own, without someone constantly supervising them. It is best if you take the risk and allow them the freedom of letting them do that. Leave <strong>micromanagement<\/strong> at the door and let your teammates take matters into their own hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #21: Introduce idea boxes to the office<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The title is\nself-explanatory. We love this practice from Toyota: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><em>In 1951, Toyota introduced a principle called the Creative Ideas and Suggestions System in which employees at all levels were encouraged to offer their ideas for improvements in processes or products. That <g class=\"gr_ gr_7 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" id=\"7\" data-gr-id=\"7\">system,<\/g> and Toyota\u2019s continued use of its employees to improve its product is credited with being one of the main factors of Toyota\u2019s success. \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toyota-global.com\/company\/toyota_traditions\/quality\/may_jun_2005.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Toyota\u2019s corporate website<\/a><\/em> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2>Employee recognition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have a hard-working team and a to-do list that\u2019s five pages long, it\u2019s easy to forget an important part of employee motivation: <strong>recognition. <\/strong>Salary is not everything, even though an <g class=\"gr_ gr_105 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling\" id=\"105\" data-gr-id=\"105\">addition<\/g> to the paycheck for a work well done can be beneficial. <strong>Non-monetary recognition<\/strong> is just as beneficial for building an effective team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #22: Reward publicly, criticize privately <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides situations where a team-member deserves praise, there will also be situations where they need criticism. First of all: if you want to commend someone\u2019s efforts, make sure other people hear it. Secondly, when you\u2019re correcting their behavior, do it discreetly \u2013 public humiliation harms employee <g class=\"gr_ gr_73 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" id=\"73\" data-gr-id=\"73\">morale,<\/g> destroys <g class=\"gr_ gr_6 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep\" id=\"6\" data-gr-id=\"6\">motivation,<\/g> and fosters resentment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Employee_recognition.jpg\" alt=\"Team lead congratulating an employee.\" class=\"wp-image-2958\"\/><figcaption>A public praise goes a long way.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #23: Create ways for peer-to-peer praise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a great example from <strong>LinkedIn<\/strong> and their creative way of sharing team recognition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><em>\u201cThis recognition is visible so that all employees of the company are aware and can even interact, comment on, or \u2018like.\u2019 Obviously, this award also translates into monetary terms, but I can assure you that the most rewarding thing is not this, it is the feeling that you have done your job well or that you have helped somebody else,\u201d.<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/redbooth.com\/blog\/3-lessons-developing-team-culture-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Source<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3>HACK #24: Measure teamwork in goals not hours <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s 2019, and we made sure we put the most obvious hack last on purpose. When deciding if an employee deserves a commendation, it\u2019s easy to fall into the trap of \u201cthe one who works the hardest.\u201d Don\u2019t value your employee by the number of hours they put in, but by <strong>the effect their work has and the goals they have reached. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Above all, achieving effective teamwork is about the results you want to achieve, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Did you find our hacks useful? We hope so. Perhaps you even have some bulletproof tricks up your sleeve. If so, we\u2019d love to hear them, so drop them in the comments below or on any of our social media platforms: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Facebook (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/looptheemailmessenger\/\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Twitter (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/loop_email\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/loopemail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"LinkedIn. (opens in a new tab)\">LinkedIn.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/install\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/loop-email-app-free-download.jpg\" alt=\"Download Lopp Email for your team banner.\" class=\"wp-image-2959\"\/><\/a><figcaption> <br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Effective teamwork is the crucial ingredient of successful businesses, so team leaders and business owners should dedicate time into achieving it. Here are 24 practical tips that will help you improve your teamwork.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":2969,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[46],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2918"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2918"}],"version-history":[{"count":42,"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2918\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4735,"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2918\/revisions\/4735"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intheloop.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}