How to Create and Sustain Successful Teams (Online and Offline)

The culture and leadership of a company are overarching influences that will determine some of the team dynamics.

Now, more than ever, team dynamics are crucial to the success of your business. Our new way of negotiating everyday life means that we must adapt and adjust how we operate, both individually and as part of our work teams.

For those in leadership roles, it is even more important than before to lead from the top. Remote meetings require a new set of processes and solutions, which we examined in episode 69 with Michael Wilkinson.

But what is the best way to assemble your dream team to begin with? And how can you sustain its success? According to Jennifer “JT” Trzepacz, Chief Operations Officer at Wildcat Venture Partners, it is the actions of leadership that largely shape team dynamics.

Building Team Dynamics in an Evolving Business Landscape

Even before the pandemic situation altered how we work—drastically, in some cases—there was a growing shift towards remote work and flexible hours, a move driven by a millennial generation entering the workforce and demanding change. Meanwhile, new technologies that enable offsite communication have also impacted the means in which companies can attract and retain talent.

It is important to emphasize the how in team-building and team dynamics. Working collaboratively has to be a key part of the new normal, even if this is done remotely. What technology and procedures are used is an element of this, yet how your team interacts with each other is an important, broader question. 

This is where a balance between IQ (technical skills ) and EQ (more soft, social skills) is paramount. An employee who is technically sound and productive in their own work but unable to work collaboratively will limit the potential and productivity of their team and ultimately be detrimental to the company’s progress.  

The Key to Team Momentum is Balance

As with many challenges in business, a holistic approach is required to successfully build team momentum. Balance is key. The needs of the business should be considered in parallel with the needs of your personnel. Otherwise, you may end up hiring someone who is that technical fit but does not allow for the success of your team. 

It is up to leadership to establish this approach before a team is built. That way, the team is in the best position to thrive and grow your business. ‘Hiring slow’ can ensure that you hire the right person for the job. While you can also ‘fire fast,’ it is better to take the time to find the right fit from the start.

Aligning the ambitions of the individual to the goals of the company—and hiring those people who can work together—is what creates a high-performing team. Each team member will have their own needs and desires, which have to be met in order for them to perform. Individuals must then be able to self manage themselves in order to uphold their end of the bargain.  

Similarly, it is important to remember that the how in accomplishing goals may be different for different people. There is a vast range of approaches, based on a diversity of factors, in any multi-generational team. Acknowledging these varying approaches, maintaining communication and staying aware of the needs of individuals will enable leaders to sustain the success of their teams.

What do you think about your team dynamics? Let us know in the comments below 👇

Listen to JT’s full episode here.