Many people are excited about the upcoming NFL playoffs. The battle for the Super Bowl will determine who gets bragging rights as the best NFL team and the winner of many Fantasy Football Leagues.
If you pay attention to the world of sports, you can find diverse business lessons. Many strategies used on the playing field can translate into team success in the workplace.
The following are five business lessons from the world of sports.
1. Team Building Is Essential for Success
Bringing the team together to talk is especially important when a new member joins, a project begins, or a major change occurs:
- Teammates can get to know each other, share their strengths and weaknesses, and agree on common rules and goals.
- Monthly events such as team barbecues, hiking, or sporting events help teammates build relationships in relaxed settings.
- Strengthening relationships builds trust, collaboration, and team cohesion.
- Teammates learn to rely on each other.
2. Each Member’s Role Impacts the Team
Team members should understand their role and actively participate in projects to attain shared goals:
- Member interactions affect the team’s sense of community.
- Each member’s performance impacts the team’s ability to complete projects and reach objectives.
- Managers should help team members understand their duties and responsibilities and provide resources and support to reach goals.
3. Targeted Training Helps Your Team Reach Goals
Developing your team members’ skills increases their knowledge and abilities to achieve greater business goals:
- Align your team’s goals with business strategy.
- Determine which skills should be developed.
- Customize training to develop relevant skills.
- Offer stretch assignments to apply the skills.
- Provide projects aligned with team goals.
4. Regular Communication Strengthens Team Morale
Ongoing team communication supports feelings of belonging, respect, and importance:
- Managers should regularly discuss their team members’ families and personal interests.
- Team members should feel encouraged to share their struggles with their manager and receive support.
- Honesty and transparency build team trust and appreciation.
5. Resolving Issues Supports Team Longevity
Diverse team members’ personalities, struggles, and beliefs mean that conflicts occasionally arise. Therefore, managers should privately talk with the members involved and help them resolve the issues:
- Work to find the root of the problem.
- Collaborate to find potential resolutions.
- Provide guidance and support to overcome the obstacle.
- Follow up to ensure the team members implement the solution.
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