Video:How to Turn Individuals Into a Team

Transcript:How to Turn Individuals Into a Team

Hi! This is Meghan Lynn Allen for About.com, and today we're discussing how to turn individuals into a team.

Tips for Turning Individuals Into a Team

As someone who manages a team, you need to set the tone right from the start. Always address a group of people as a team, and not as individuals. Never take people aside one-on-one to discuss team activities.

Instructions for Turning Individuals Into a Team

Team members need to feel good about themselves, and you can foster that good feeling by explicitly laying out why they were chosen for this team, and what the goals and expectations are of each team member. If it seems like team members are unclear or unable to do some of things they need to do, you can set them up with some training, send them on a retreat, or put together some icebreakers. Get the team working together.

Further Tips for Turning Individuals Into a Team

If there are further defined leadership roles within the team, be sure that everyone knows what they are. Maybe you, as the manager, are the leader of the team, but within that team, there's subdivisions or responsibility - maybe who reports to who. You need to make sure everyone's aware of it. It's best to put it into writing.

Turning Individuals Into a Team

Your employees will feel less like individuals and more like part of a team if they have common goals they can meet. So, think about setting weekly and monthly goals, and maybe even put a dry erase board on the wall and check of names and accomplishments along the way.

Next, think about structuring a recognition and rewards program for your team. Whether your company has a budget or not, you can make these simple rewards happen. For example, certificates of achievement, that dry erase board on the wall; maybe an e-mail to people on the team saying what a good job they did that week. And remember that a good team needs to communicate effectively. If people are used to working as individuals, perhaps those skills aren't extremely honed. Think about holding brainstorming sessions where your entire team can voice their opinions and be heard.

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