Five ways to improve your team’s collaboration

Article by Amy Thomas Marketing Coordinator 28 November 2024

Collaboration is one of the most important parts of teamwork, a successful team understands the value of collaboration and how it impacts the team. Did you know that employees who work collaboratively stick to their tasks for 64% longer than their solo counterparts? Collaboration allows team members to feel more connected and that they belong within a team. It fuels innovation by encouraging new ideas and can help bring out the best in employees. We have compiled our favourite ways to encourage collaboration within your team. 

Set a clear goals 

When it comes to effective teamwork, everyone must understand the overall objective. Establishing clear, achievable and measurable goals is a key part of this process. Not only does it help team members understand their purpose, but it also fosters a sense of unity within the group. We suggest gathering as a team to discuss what you’re working on and collaboratively set these goals. It’s also important to define each person’s role and responsibilities. This not only gives team members an area to own but also clarifies who is responsible for what. It ensures accountability and aligns everyone with the broader team objectives. Once roles and goals are established, we recommend meeting regularly to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to the plan.

Communication 

Our next tip for enhancing collaboration within your team is to foster open communication. Teams with strong communication are better able to understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, thought processes and workflows, creating a smoother and more productive working environment.

The first step in improving communication is to recognise that everyone has a unique communication style. With a diverse team, each member will have their expectations for how communication should flow. By understanding these differences, you can adapt to each person’s style and communicate more effectively.

Our second tip is to establish a streamlined communication process. With tools like PropertyMe’s Tasks, Templates and Checklists, you can easily keep track of progress, notify team members when tasks are completed and integrate consistent processes into your workflows. This approach can be a game changer for maintaining clear and efficient communication across your team.

Trust

Trust is a fundamental element that drives success within a team. When a team feels trusted, it can lead to significant improvements. First, it fosters psychological safety, which encourages team members to speak up, ask questions and offer suggestions — ultimately leading to better outcomes. Second, trust promotes a culture of questioning. Without trust, team members may hesitate to seek clarification or ask questions for fear of looking uninformed or making a negative impression. However, when team members feel safe to question, it often leads to better decision-making and stronger results.

Building trust doesn’t happen overnight, but there are several effective ways to start the process. Recognising and rewarding excellence within your team is a great first step. Demonstrating transparency by sharing information openly and honestly, as well as being receptive to feedback and willing to admit when you’re wrong, also plays a key role in building trust.

Finally, consider incorporating team-building exercises such as icebreakers and offsites. These activities not only help strengthen communication but also teach team members how to collaborate more effectively, further deepening trust within the team.

Invest in training and development 

Our next tip for enhancing your team’s collaboration is investing in their training and development. Providing your team with up-to-date skills, knowledge and tools enables them to work more efficiently and effectively. This investment not only boosts team performance but also positively impacts morale, motivation and retention. When your team feels equipped to perform at a higher level, they’re more confident in their ability to contribute to the team’s success. Ultimately, by investing in your team, you’re also investing in your business and the results you aim to achieve.

Encourage feedback 

At its core, feedback is essential for improving collaboration and helping teams work better together. Encouraging constructive feedback within your team not only strengthens relationships but also drives better performance. When feedback is delivered effectively, it allows you to address current challenges, resolve issues and ultimately enhance team outcomes.

When giving feedback, it’s important to keep a few key things in mind. First, clarify your goal — why are you offering this feedback and how will it impact the other team members? Choose the right time and place; avoid giving constructive feedback during team meetings, as it’s often more effective in a private setting. Ensure your tone and language remain professional, use clear and simple language and offer specific examples to illustrate your points.

Feedback is a two-way street, so it’s equally important to be open to feedback from your team members. Provide opportunities for them to share their thoughts on projects and performance constructively and professionally. This not only helps improve team dynamics but also builds trust, making team members feel valued and heard.

Embrace technology 

Our final tip for enhancing your team’s collaboration is embracing technology. When used effectively, technology can be a powerful tool for boosting team collaboration. PropertyMe offers a range of features designed to not only lighten your workload but also improve communication and streamline collaboration. From Tasks, Templates and Checklists that transform how your team communicates, to message automation that allows you to effortlessly reach Owners, Tenants, and suppliers with the press of a button, technology can truly be a game changer. By leveraging these tools, you can help your team work more efficiently and collaborate to their fullest potential.

These are our tips for enhancing your team’s collaboration skills, whether it’s improving communication, building trust, encouraging feedback or embracing technology. There are many ways to help your team collaborate more effectively and work as efficiently as possible. If you have any additional tips or insights, we’d love to hear from you — feel free to reach out via our socials or email us at [email protected].