Strategic Partners Blog Featuring Rachel Mostel, Director of Operations, from Picc Lines Plus Home Infusion

A positive work environment isn’t born out of thin air. It takes hard work and commitment to foster teamwork in the office. When you feel like you’re a valued team member, you’re more likely to do the best work you can. That great attitude doesn’t just help your clients, it carries over to every aspect of your work and life. When you’re part of a team, you help your team members perform their jobs the best they can.

1. Be a good leader. Whether you’re a manager, or have seniority as a result of company loyalty, you are setting the tone for the rest of the employees in the office. Encourage quality teamwork by rewarding groups for good performance. Create incentives to work well as a team by giving praise and issuing small tokens of appreciation that bear the project or company name. By doing so, it instills a sense of meaning and value into the nature of the job, thereby boosting teamwork among group members. Encourage social activities. Teamwork is enhanced when staff know each other and are comfortable discussing a variety of issues. Build this sense of camaraderie by formulating team activities, such as meeting together over coffee.

2. Practice clear communication. Convoluted communication is a recipe for disaster. Teamwork in healthcare uses constant communication. Team members must feel safe in sharing their ideas, points of view, and feelings. Every idea might not be THE idea you roll with, but are no bad ideas. Make sure to foster communicating in the work environment through verbal reward.

3. Define responsibilities. Boost teamwork ability by outlining clear roles for each of the members. Delineate responsibilities according to ability. The more clearly you define each team member’s role and responsibility, the more effectively they can meet expectations. However, the team should be encouraged to help one another when needed.

4. Conflict resolution. Any tension or conflict should be resolved as quickly as possible to prevent communication breakdowns and a division of team members. Make sure to put in place clear and concise ways for staff to resolve issues so they know their voices are heard.

5. Remain positive. As the team leader, your positive and motivated energy will help to inspire the others. So don’t forget to drink that positivity juice in the morning!