Making a team more productive is not only about pushing the members harder but also focusing on support, as people who feel supported will accomplish more.
1. Reward quality work
When you praise team members, try to focus on the quality of their work rather than much work they complete; for example, you might have a team member who handles fewer customer questions but gets perfect satisfaction scores, so it is important to recognise them over someone who answers lots of questions poorly. If you recognise excellent work, other employees will aim for the same standard.
2. Keep track of progress
Monitor how your projects are moving forward and get your team members to break big goals into smaller steps and report on their progress. This makes everyone accountable and can help them see how their work contributes to larger goals. Whether you use project management tools or discuss the progress in meetings, it is important to stay aware of where things stand to keep projects on track.
3. Hold regular meetings
Short, well-planned meetings can help team members share ideas and obtain feedback. Keep these meetings focused by creating agendas and limiting meetings to 15 minutes, scheduling them regularly, and letting people know about any changes in advance. When people talk about their work on a regular basis, they gain new perspectives that improve their results.
4. Create a healthy workplace
People don’t work well when they are stressed or burned out. Encourage breaks, office lunches, and work-life balance, and take time in conversations to ask about personal interests and family life. When team members have time to enjoy life outside work, they return refreshed and ready to contribute.
A balanced team is ultimately more productive than one that works too many hours. Remember that companies can deliver team-building office lunches to your workplace.
5. Improve communication
Nothing gets done without good communication. Make sure your team members feel comfortable discussing their work and asking for help. When everyone understands what is happening, they can support each other and move projects forward.