Teamwork provides a foundation for business success. Teams, when managed properly, maximize each individual’s strong points while minimizing weaknesses. Of course, creating productive teams isn’t as easy as it sounds. Strong working relationships need five basic ingredients for success: Communication, Collaboration, Culture, Creativity and Commitment. Each of the five Cs builds on the previous one, to form a complete structure which fosters teamwork and relationship building.

Build a Support Structure with Clear Communication
In any relationship, communication is everything. But when it comes to work relationships, it makes the difference between completing a project on time and watching things go up in flames. You’ve probably been involved with a team where missed deadlines and fractious co-workers made it almost impossible to get anything accomplished. Clear communication is the key to diminishing conflict and getting everyone on the same page. Set the tone on day one by scheduling contact with all team members on a regular basis. Phone calls, emails and meetings all help keep teams working toward the same goals. Touch base regularly with all members to keep each person on track and updated on changing project goals.

Encourage Collaboration
Working together produces better and faster results, but collaboration also imposes challenges. Each team member must understand that a project is a team effort. Eventual success is shared between all members of the group. While individual effort should always be rewarded, it is the sum of the work that is most critical. Make it clear that every member of the team shares responsibility for both success and failure. This helps build a work culture of success.

Get the Needed Buy-In with the Proper Workplace Culture
Overall organization and structure in the workplace determines how employees interact. When personal effort reaps greater reward than collaborative efforts, there is no motivation to put the team ahead of personal success. This type of behavior is counter-productive, and it is up to management to clearly reward team success, not individual effort. When every member of a team knows that job performance is rated based on the group, it creates a culture which encourages strong work relationships and team building.

Successful Teams Encourage Creativity
The more comfortable you are working within a group, the more comfortable you are sharing thoughts and ideas. When a diverse group of people brings their perceptions and experiences to the table, creative solutions emerge. Each member of a team has something to offer, and no idea should be shot down. Discuss every idea, even if it has been tried before. Sometimes all it takes to turn a bad idea into a good one is a new point of view.

Commitment Produces Success
Committed employees go the extra mile to ensure the success of a project. Make it clear that each team member was carefully selected for their expertise and skills. Team projects are a reward and opportunity, never a punishment.  A collaborative assignment offers each employee the opportunity to learn about all aspects of a project. Teams work together on everything from event planning to product development, and working together allows employees to gain a better understanding of all aspects of a venture. Build a sense of commitment by acknowledging the importance of each project and all the team members that made it a success.

Combining all of the five Cs gives you a strong platform for success. Successful teams improve productivity, problem-solve and get results. They really are greater than the sum of the people on the team. Give every project the best chance of success by giving teams the structure they need. Encourage communication, collaboration, culture, creativity and commitment, and see your success rates jump to the head of the pack.