Teamwork can boost productivity, foster individual growth, and develop better products and services. Every team needs to have members that are Leaders, Thinkers, and Pragmatists. The Leaders are great mentors and give the team energy, but their drive can frustrate other members. Thinkers are organized and creative, but they can become overly focused on the minute details. The Pragmatists are dependable and autonomous but may lack confidence on creative projects. Each style brings an essential strength to the team but can create conflict when the Leaders become frustrated because the Thinkers seem to be endlessly brainstorming and the Pragmatists begin drifting away. To promote teamwork and comradery at your office, here are three strategies and how they benefit the Leaders, Thinkers, and Pragmatist on your team.

Guide The Team With Structure

Structure can prevent team members from feeling like they’re overstepping or overburdened on tasks. Assign team members individual tasks and group tasks with milestones and timelines for accountability. This will keep everyone on the same page and build confidence within the team as goals are achieved.

How this benefits team members

  • Individual tasks give the Leaders productive space for their ambitions. Individual tasks generate an opportunity for the Leader to trust projects to team members without the need to oversee them.
  • Timelines and milestones help the Thinkers to move forward on tasks and maintain the team’s goals.
  • Structure gives the Pragmatists a framework to engage in creative brainstorming.

Prevent Division By Leading Conflict Resolution

Conflict can harm morale and if mishandled divide the team. Use one-on-one follow-ups on individual tasks to check in with individuals and get feedback on their experience. Develop a protocol for managing conflicts that authorizes every member to take the initiative to seek help and arbitration. This will minimize other team members from feeling they must take sides.

How this benefits team members

  • Keeps Leaders from feeling the need to take charge.
  • Thinkers are deeply invested in their proposals, neutral arbitration can ensure feedback is expressed constructively.
  • A clear objective path to conflict resolution creates an opportunity for the Pragmatists to develop leadership.

Fostering Collaboration and Comradery

You don’t have to do trust falls or drum circles, but team activities are important. Activities can break the monotony, build trust, and boost creativity. Plan events that generate generosity. Invite the team to volunteer at the local animal shelter or bring a home-made or store-made baked goodie to the office for a jolt of sugar and good vibes. Active events can help release stress. A team bowling outing or yoga class can improve focus and energy.

How it benefits team members

  • Away from the immediacy of tasks, the Leader can shine as a cheerleader and coach for teammates.
  • The activity experience can inspire the Thinkers and clear any creative blocks.
  • The Pragmatist is always a solid team member, but an activity can reveal a hidden talent and boost their confidence in creative projects.

Understanding team members work strengths will help you support their skills and facilitate collaboration. Teamwork takes work and planning; structure, accessible conflict resolution, and team building activities will keep teamwork from being a chore.