Collaboration Strategies Revealed
Stefanie Bickert, a job expert at Indeed, offers valuable insights on effective teamwork when personal chemistry is not as strong as one might hope. According to Bickert, shared goals and joint responsibility are more crucial for teamwork than personal chemistry.
Instead of making generalizations like "He's arrogant," Bickert recommends being specific, such as "He often interrupts in meetings" or "She doesn't provide feedback on deadlines." This specificity can help to address issues more effectively and foster a more productive work environment.
Clarity in job assignments, documented responsibilities, and kept agreements are essential for successful teamwork. Bickert emphasizes the importance of understanding each team member's role and responsibilities to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
If efforts to work with differences fail and one feels sidelined and hindered, a conversation with the other person is advised. Bickert suggests being direct and specific about the issues at hand, focusing on behaviour rather than personality.
Bickert also advises asking oneself if they might be inflexible, unclear in communication, or unwilling to compromise when finding someone unsympathetic or difficult. Honest self-reflection can reveal adjustments that might ease tensions, such as increased openness, patience, or structure.
Embracing differences often leads to professional and personal growth, according to Bickert. Different opinions in teams can lead to new ideas being overlooked, but this can result in innovative solutions and improved work results.
Conscious mutual support, such as offering help or asking for it in critical moments, can strengthen collaboration. Bickert emphasizes the importance of team members supporting each other to achieve shared goals.
Shared interests, such as music taste or a similar sense of humor, can be found with team members. Finding common ground can help to build stronger relationships and foster a more cohesive team.
Those who manage to separate behaviour and personality react more professionally in difficult situations because the issue doesn't become personal. Bickert suggests separating behaviour from the person when evaluating others.
Dealing with differences can lead to personal and professional growth, as it brings new perspectives and improves work results. If necessary, a conversation with the manager or HR department can be had if efforts to work with differences fail and one feels sidelined and hindered.
Bickert provides these tips for successful teamwork when personal chemistry is lacking, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their collaborative skills.
