5 tips to build a team mentality
A team will never reach its full potential without a strong leader. Likewise, a leader cannot create a strong team without cultivating a team mentality. Today I will give you 5 tips on how to build a team mentality within your team.
#1: Less of you and more of them.
If you are trying to create a team culture, you’re going to want to show your team off! Let’s look at your company’s social media or website. Do you see more of yourself or your team members? Hopefully, you see more of your team. I have designed our company’s website so that guests see our staff before they’ll ever see me. We intentionally showcase the team first on our website to create a team mentality. After all, it couldn’t happen without all of them. Less of me, more of them.
#2: Use the word “us” and “our.”
There is no “I” in team. We’ve all heard that before! To create a strong team mentality, we must watch our words. Slight changes in word choice make a big difference. Be cognizant of the words you use. Go from saying “my company” to “our company.” If you want it to be all about you, keep using words like “I” and “me.” If you want to build unity and help people to feel like they’re truly part of a team, use inclusive words.
#3: Empower others.
As a leader, there are always going to be things that you might do quicker or better than others. However, if you want to grow and be successful, you are never going to have the margin to do everything. That’s why teams are so awesome. Not only do they help share the load, but there are people within our company that can do things way better than I can. It’s a win for the company and instills confidence in the team members. Take the time to meet with those individuals to discuss what needs to be done, then let them own tasks they know they can crush. This will create buy in as they take ownership in the company. Remind them that they will make mistakes and that it is okay to do so. I like to give our team members zero guidelines and rules. It’s best to let them take full control as they take on new responsibilities. It lets them feel it out and shows them that I trust and have confidence in them. Empower your people and delegate meaningful things to them and you will see them come closer as a team.
#4: Communicate with them on a personal level.
If you don’t know about your team’s personal lives, it is hard to build any real bond. One of my best pieces of advice to you is to get to know your team members at a personal level. Take note of their spouse’s or kids’ names. Listen to their story and understand the things that make them tick. Learn their passions and how they like to communicate. Maybe in your next team meeting, go around and share stories. Get to know each other. A team is more connected when they understand how each individual got to where they are today. Know your people.
#5: Celebrate wins.
What happens when a team wins the Super Bowl? They celebrate! When is the last time you have celebrated in your company? For our company, that looks like “Unity Nights” we have twice a year. It’s not a requirement, but we create the space for staff to bring their spouses and have fun hanging out and building unity. It’s a time to celebrate our wins together!
As a leader, it’s your responsibility to own it when things go poorly, and celebrate when things go great! It may not be your fault when things go south, but it’s part of your duty as a leader to take responsibility. In the same way, when things go great, even if it is due to a decision you personally made, celebrate others.
Let’s review the 5 tips:
1. Less of you and more of them.
2. Use the word “us” and “our.”
3. Empower others.
4. Communicate with them on a personal level.
5. Celebrate wins.
Put this into action and I truly believe you will build a team mentality and draw your team closer together! I would love to hear from you, reach out and DM me on Instagram @evansilver.co with any questions or comments.