How to Make Your Team Work Effective: The Google Secret

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Trust and psychological safety are the most important.

Researchers at Google decided to figure out what makes the team effective. They analyzed the work of dozens of teams and spoke with hundreds of executives and employees. As a result, we came to the conclusion that the main thing for the effectiveness of the team is psychological safety.

In a team with high psychological safety, participants are not afraid to take risks. They know that no one will humiliate or punish them for admitting a mistake, a question or a new idea.

That is, there must be trust in the team. But creating it is not so easy: everyone comes with their own point of view and their own style of work. Here are some strategies to help build trust in your team.

Listen to others

Trust requires respect for the thoughts and feelings of others. Therefore, always listen to your colleagues. Ask questions and ponder the answers. Try not to be judgmental. This will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of each team member. And show that their opinion matters to you.

Show compassion

Try to understand your colleagues and their point of view, put yourself in their place. Often when people share a problem with us, we think, “This is nonsense. I've come across this before. Do not neglect the feelings of your colleagues this way. Think of a situation when you yourself were stressed or did not cope with the task, and show empathy.

Be sincere

Everyone is drawn to sincere people. To those who are not afraid to be themselves. This does not mean that you need to constantly share thoughts and experiences. Just say what you really think and always stick to your principles.

Lead by example

Words must be backed up by action. You can talk as much as you want about trust and honesty, it won't cost anything if you shout at your colleagues and do not respect their opinions.

Help others

Think of your favorite boss. After all, it is more important for you not where he studied and what he achieved, but how he helped you with some question. I took time out of my busy schedule, listened, gave advice, or worked on something with you. This is how trust arises - when we help others.

Support the team even if you disagree

Sometimes you need to accept the team's vision even when you disagree with it. Such advice was given by the head of Amazon Jeff Bezos. First, explain your position so that everyone can weigh it. But if you decide to trust the team, do not try to disrupt the project later. Give your colleagues the opportunity to experiment and grow.

Learn humility

This does not mean that you cannot defend your opinion. Just admit that you don't know everything. Be willing to learn from others and apologize when you were wrong.

Be open

There is nothing worse when the team leader does not keep others informed or is hiding something. Make sure your intentions and methods are clear to all team members. Provide access to all the information you need to get the job done successfully.

Praise sincerely

When colleagues see that you value their work, they want to do more. But the praise must be specific. Say what is valuable to you and why.

Everyone deserves to be commended for something. Try to see the person's talents and praise them for them. This will help him to better reveal these qualities.