Your team’s diverse range of challenges warrants resolutions that solve their specific needs. Generic, one-size-fits-all recommendations only address surface issues and often don’t have much substantial influence. While the first step to identifying the ideal resolution is assessing the problem and analyzing data, once you’ve identified impacting factors, it’s time to work with your team to recommend a flexible solution that promotes ownership and change.
Encourage Participation from All Team Members
There are no minor roles. Every employee is essential to the team’s overall success and will have perspectives to guide recommendations. Solicit feedback from members at all levels of the organization to create buy-in. When team members see their ideas become real change, they feel valued knowing that they contributed to the end product, and are more likely to take ownership. Furthermore, team-driven solutions demonstrate accountability and show staff your commitment to an inclusive work environment. Not only are happy employees 20% more productive than unhappy employees, but they are more likely to spread the good word. These team members become your ambassadors who will encourage other employees to participate.
Don’t Rely on the Safe Recommendation
It’s common for organizations to invest in policy and training solutions. Particularly when you want an all-encompassing recommendation, but when policy or training isn’t a well-thought-out decision, it can hinder success. For instance, before enforcing a policy, think about how it will work across teams. Policies don’t allow for much flexibility and can sometimes create more issues in practice around favoritism and operational processes. Instead, consider how your recommendations will perform in theory and practice. Which interventions are sustainable and have the potential for long-term impact? Do all team members have access to the necessary technology and resources to enforce company-wide? What goal do you hope to achieve by implementing the recommendation? Answering these questions will ensure your selected resolution positively shift culture, moving your team closer to improving engagement.
Best Practices for Adopting New Team Solutions
The success of your recommendation will depend on how efficiently and quickly it’s adopted by your team. Here are a few tips that may help with the transition.
- Give Your Team A Heads Up – the unexpected can be unnerving. Create a transparent roll-out process that communicates expectations, intended impact, and overall strategy. Regularly communicating updates will also nurture camaraderie and deter employees from feeling alone.
- Reinforce Recommendations – it’s easier to get people excited about something new, but maintaining motivation can be more difficult. Use ongoing activities and efforts to encourage usage and provide a space for continued learning.
- Embrace the Fun – implementing new processes isn’t something most people want to do willingly. Incorporate a gamification and rewards component that makes the process interactive and enjoyable for team members.
- Set Realistic Expectations – real change isn’t an overnight phenomenon. Set attainable goals and milestones that paint a realistic picture of what you hope to accomplish.
Moving your team toward a more inclusive environment doesn’t stop with solution implementation. Some may even argue that it’s just getting starting as the next step of following up will give more insight into sustaining your solution for future generations of the company.
For more information on assessing your team and analyzing data, catch up on our latest article, “Diagnosing Your Team’s Pain.”
“Promoting Employee Happiness Benefits Everyone,” Forbes. December 2017.
