The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 33: Summer 2024 | Page 26

THE DREAM TEAM

BUILDING THE DREAM TEAM

Behind great businesses are great teams , made up of great individuals . Transforming talented employees into high-performing teams , uniting to achieve the common goals of a successful business , is the formula for true greatness . It might look easy on paper , but creating a cohesive , driven and achieving team takes dedication and direction . We asked Business psychologist Jan P . de Jonge , Simon Tonge from Bath Racecourse and Interaction ’ s Toby Brown to delve into the collective power of the dream team .
A daily dose of psychology
There is no magic pill to create a cohesive , happy ‘ dream team ’, but a daily dose of psychology helps .
Research indicates you need to encourage people to air challenges , raise concerns and invite contributions . The team climate needs to be monitored and positive habits need to be instigated , where for instance regular check-ins with each other are organised and two-way feedback is embraced .
Effective teams show respect for all members by listening well and understanding where needs and opportunities for learning lie .
Importantly , a dream team is where all members can speak up and say something that might not be popular . Creating and sustaining a climate at work where team members believe they can freely speak up with any concern or question , where they feel their voice is welcomed and there is a sense of permission for candour , is important .
Successful teams structurally invest in a sense of connection and camaraderie , where staff can be courageous , and diversity is embraced . They acknowledge mistakes and see them as opportunities to learn from and improve continuously .
Dream teams feel a strong sense of shared purpose and have leaders who display humility rather than arrogance .
Jan P . de Jonge , Business psychologist , founder of People Business Psychology Ltd .
For more info : www . peoplebusinesspsychology . com
“ Successful teams structurally invest in a sense of connection and camaraderie ”
Building on the foundations of great communication
“... fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation reinforces positive behaviours and motivates team members ”
Creating a cohesive , productive and happy team is a challenging task that requires a combination of several key elements .
Firstly , effective communication lays the foundation for any successful team . Encouraging open dialogue between team members , listening to everyone ’ s views and ensuring transparency is a core value encourages trust among team members and ensures that everyone is aligned towards common goals .
Building trust is equally crucial . Trust forms the backbone of a cohesive team , allowing members to rely on each other and collaborate effectively . Leaders at all levels play a pivotal role in cultivating trust by demonstrating integrity , competence , and empathy in their actions and decisions .
Furthermore , fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity within the team is essential . When
every team member feels valued and respected , they are more likely to actively contribute and engage with their work .
Thinking back on my experiences , I have been most productive when I have felt like I was part of a team , building great relationships fellow team members . At Bath Racecourse we have succeeded in this and received industry recognition for the welcome our staff give to customers . I truly believe this is down to team members ‘ buying-in ’ to our shared goals .
Lastly , fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation reinforces positive behaviours and motivates team members to continue striving for excellence . Acknowledging individual and collective achievements goes a long way in maintaining morale and cohesion within the team .
Building a cohesive , productive and happy team requires a multi-layered approach that prioritises
communication , trust , recognition , inclusivity and being bought into a shared vision . By investing in these aspects , we at Bath Racecourse are proud of the positive work environment we create , allowing our team to achieve their full potential
Simon Tonge , Executive Director , Bath Racecourse
For more info : www . bath-racecourse . co . uk
14 www . tbebathandsomerset . co . uk