5 Tips for Building a Happy & High Performing Remote Team

Guest post by Elizabeth Mackenzie, CEO of Global PR Associates

Photo: Brooke Cagle from Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/g1Kr4Ozfoac

It's simple to describe the characteristics of a high-performing team, but putting one together isn't always straightforward. There are a few crucial aspects to focus on while developing a high-performing team. This article lists five tips to help you effectively build a high-performing team. ​

Prioritize Communication

This is one of the most important qualities to look for in a high-performing team, yet it's one that's frequently overlooked. When it comes to team output, fulfilling targets, and engagement; however, failing to support efficient communication can be an expensive mistake.

To develop a high-performing team, managers should support a strong focus on team communication to ensure gains in motivation, productivity, and profitability. Managers must also prioritize information transmission to their immediate reports. If a new working practice or policy is to be implemented, inform the team and get their feedback.

Effective communication is hampered by various factors, including listening, assumptions and competing signals, and emotional distractions. You'll be well on your way to developing a high-performing and agile team if you can eradicate these communication difficulties from your team.

Assist your coworkers in recognizing their preferred communication styles. As a result, everyone will be able to change their approach to best suit the demands of their colleagues, resulting in more effective communication. This can also help you figure out the ideal technique for team briefings and formal team meetings.

Deal With Disagreement

Even the most high-performing team will have disagreements from time to time. While little conflict can be useful in some situations, the best way to deal with it is to anticipate it and be prepared for when it occurs. As soon as a problem emerges, take immediate action to resolve it.
Set up a meeting right away to mediate a civilized debate if there is a difference of opinion that leads to an argument between two team members, for example. You should be able to avoid the conflict from spiralling out of hand and developing a deeper breach by settling it ASAP.

Keep Employees Happy and Motivated

Employee happiness is one of the most important factors to consider when building a high-performing team. Happy and engaged employees do their best work, support company goals, and are a great part of the team. 
To keep employees happy, you need to prioritize work-life balance. Don’t ask your staff to stay long hours every day or take on too much work outside of their availability. Remember that they need to spend time with their families and have enough time outside of work to do things they enjoy, so they don’t feel burnt out at work. (The Happiness Index can be helpful to understanding Work Life Balance and overall wellbeing. 
You should allow flexible working schedules when you can and listen to your employees and the feedback they have to offer. Don’t make your staff feel like they are left out of big decisions. 
Remember, mental stability affects your happiness, so it will benefit the entire company if you prioritize your employees’ work-life balance.

Recognize Where You Are Now & Where You Want to Go

Understanding the dynamics of how people are currently functioning is critical to moving your team ahead. Think about the following issues:

• Are you aware of your team members’ strengths?
• Are you aware of any shortcomings that need to be addressed?
• What are each team member’s responsibilities?
• What is their significance?
• How does the group handle change?
• Are there any potential sources of friction within the team?

Managers should answer these questions collectively with their staff. The responses will aid in identifying any training needs or skill gaps, which can then be addressed to improve future performance. 
Encourage the team to participate in growth programs, online bootcamps, or advance their career with an online degree. This will allow them to expand their knowledge and acquire new abilities, potentially allowing them to take on more responsibility or advance into future leadership positions.
Additionally, providing career resources is always a good way to understand their purpose and mission within an organization.

Understand Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a significant driver when it comes to teamwork. When properly mastered, it can aid in the transformation of a team's 'DNA.'

​EI is defined as "the ability to harmonize thought and emotion," or an individual's ability to understand and control their own emotions while also being able to recognize and manage the emotions of others. Being emotionally intelligent necessitates being attentive, self-aware, and capable of controlling one's emotional responses in various situations.
A team that can regularly apply EI's knowledge will communicate effectively and naturally build loyalty and engagement. They will also improve their teamwork abilities to achieve even greater success.

Conclusion

Building a happy, resilient and high-performing team takes time and effort. The tips above-mentioned can get you along the way to enjoying enduring benefits a team that is happy with their company, high-performing at work and satisfied with their life.