
In one way or another, whether in our lives and careers, we’ve all been a part of a team. Maybe you know what it’s like to be on a team that trusts each other, or on the other hand, on a team that can't cooperate. You’ve probably seen what works on a team, and what doesn’t.
While being a manager does involve continuing to be a member of a team, it also means becoming a steadfast leader of your team. You’ll be responsible for building cooperation and trust among your staff, supervising projects, providing feedback, and much more. However, one of the central responsibilities of your new role as manager will be building team morale. When team morale is high, employees tend to be more productive, engaged, and motivated.
Building team morale can be challenging, especially for new managers who may not have much experience with leading a team. Let’s take a look at five essential strategies new managers can implement to build team morale.
Positive Environment
Creating a positive work environment is essential for building team morale. As a new manager, you can encourage positivity by leading by example. Show appreciation for your team's efforts, and celebrate their accomplishments. Encourage your team to have an open dialogue and to share their ideas and opinions. This creates an atmosphere of trust and openness that can foster a more positive work environment. Positive work environments can help reduce employee turnover and increase job satisfaction.
Room to Grow
Employees should know that their work is valued and there are always opportunities for growth and development. As a new manager, it’s up to you to remind your employees about opportunities for professional development, training, and mentorship. It may even be up to you to create those opportunities. If you continue to encourage your team to take on new challenges and responsibilities, you’ll help them feel invested in their work, and remind them that their contributions are important to the organization.
Kindness & Compassion
In all areas of professional life, but especially as a manager, it's essential to show empathy towards your team. Everyone has a different style, but showing empathy in a professional context can mean approaching problems and solutions with a human, emotional lens. Simply demonstrate that you care about your team's well-being. You can do this by listening to your team's concerns and offering support when needed. This can help build trust and create a sense of belonging within the team.
Stronger Together
Teamwork is crucial for building team morale. As a new manager, you can encourage teamwork by creating team-building activities and promoting overall collaboration. Encourage your team to work together on projects and share their knowledge and expertise. This can help create a sense of community within the team and foster a more positive work environment.
Continue the Conversation
Providing feedback is essential for building team morale. As a new manager, you can provide feedback on your team's performance, and recognize their accomplishments. Feedback can help your team members understand their strengths and weaknesses, and work towards improving their skills. It also shows that you are invested in their success, which can help boost team morale.
As a new manager, building team morale is critical to the success of your team and the organization. Creating a positive work environment, offering growth opportunities, showing empathy, encouraging teamwork, and providing feedback are just a few methods new managers can implement to build team morale. With these strategies, you can help foster a more engaged, motivated, and productive team.
Sources:
"Building Team Morale: Why It Matters and How to Do It." Indeed, 19 May 2020, www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/building-team-morale.
"How to Build Strong Team Morale." Gallup, 23 Oct 2019, www.gallup.com/workplace/285674/build-strong-team-morale.aspx.
Comentários