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By Jill Hinrichs, MSM, ICF Coach, Sr. Consultant and Strategy Lead
In today’s fast-paced and diverse workplaces, building strong relationships is essential. The success of any team hinges on trust, respect, and effective communication. However, fostering these elements requires intentional effort and a strategic approach.
Here are three steps to cultivate a workplace culture where relationships thrive:
Step 1: Establish Values-Based Working Agreements
Encourage self-awareness within the team by discussing shared values and goals. Collaboratively establish working agreements that guide behavior and interactions. These agreements should reflect the organization’s values while respecting diverse perspectives.
Example: A client hired a new leader who wanted to make an immediate impact. The leader’s fast-paced approach caused tension in the team. AllOne Consulting helped the team create collective working agreements like “go slow to go fast.” The leader agreed to slow down to ensure everyone was on board, leading to a more cohesive team.
Step 2: Foster Pro-Social Behavior
Integrate the working agreements into daily routines. Review them at every team meeting and hold each other accountable. Emphasize the importance of everyday interactions in building understanding, collaboration, and respect among team members.
Example: AllOne Consulting provided a client with teambuilding activities to use at the start of every meeting. One activity involved team members sharing one strength they see in their teammates, reinforcing pro-social behaviors and mutual appreciation.
Step 3: Proactively Address Tension
Equip team members with the skills to navigate challenging discussions effectively. Focus on finding common ground and steer conversations towards work-related topics. By proactively addressing tension, teams can resolve conflicts constructively and move forward.
Example: AllOne Consulting helped a team address a pattern of perceived unfairness. Team members candidly discussed the impact of breaking workstreams to help others. They agreed to maintain work boundaries, leveraging individual strengths and mitigating weaknesses. This open communication improved team dynamics during a tense period.
As a leader, your role is pivotal in fostering a workplace culture where diverse perspectives are respected and embraced. If you’re seeking support in guiding your team, AllOne Health is here to help. Reach out to your EAP account manager for personalized support, including a discussion about how AllOne Consulting’s experts can assist you.
AllOne Consulting offers tailored solutions such as Team Cohesion & Effective Communication Retreats and Designing Teamwork Programs to enhance team cohesion and collaboration. Invest in your team’s success today and create a happier, healthier workplace.
