Do you know how to develop teamwork in the workplace? How can you unite an organization to follow a shared goal?
The Outward Mindset offers advice on applying the outward mindset strategy across teams and organizations. The book further emphasizes the importance of shared goals and collective responsibility.
Take a look at how to get your team to work together as a unified group with three tips.
1. Unite the Organization to Pursue a Shared Objective
In their book, The Arbinger Institute emphasizes the importance of learning how to develop teamwork in the workplace. Individuals and teams should work toward a common goal that prioritizes the welfare of others. For instance, if a company aimed to enhance customer satisfaction, it might establish a unified target to improve its Net Promoter Score by 10 points within twelve months, necessitating that every department coordinate its actions to achieve this common goal. This alignment fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the collective outcome. The Institute notes that leadership strategies and perspectives that fail to consider the interconnected nature of individuals can result in problems on both personal and institutional levels.
By focusing on common goals, team members cultivate a mindset that values the collective, allowing them to consider strategies that benefit the whole team rather than just individual achievements. An egocentric approach within organizations might lead to actions that undermine the shared objective. Conversely, adopting a perspective focused on external factors enables the entire organization to commit to meeting customer needs, not just delivering products or services, but actively developing solutions that meet customer demands and help them reach their goals.
2. Encourage Individuals to Embrace Ownership and Accountability
The Arbinger Institute advocates for shifting from a “thinkers and doers” approach to a more collaborative method in both strategizing and executing actions. This shift fosters creativity, promotes self-direction, and encourages initiative. For instance, if a software development firm embraced an external perspective, it could prioritize developing functionalities that satisfy current client demands while also anticipating and mitigating any upcoming issues the customers of the firm may face. The Institute advises that leaders inspire their organizations to collaboratively work towards a shared objective, requiring participation from all members to achieve success.
Leaders should foster a sense of complete responsibility for their tasks among their teams. This empowerment fosters an environment where creativity, individual initiative, and self-management are standard. For instance, should a non-profit organization aim to increase the count of individuals it assists twofold, this would necessitate a unified endeavor from all staff and volunteers to reevaluate their duties and work together innovatively to achieve this challenging goal.
3. Reduce Status Distinctions and Hierarchical Barriers
Companies should minimize the perks and symbols of status that separate leaders from their team members. This can be achieved by fostering an environment characterized by mutual respect and a common goal. For instance, if a hospital department prioritized patient care as a unified objective, each member, from doctors to administrative staff, would coordinate their goals and actions to guarantee the best possible outcomes for patients, considering the goals, requirements, and difficulties faced by their colleagues in various positions.
The Institute prioritizes fostering a culture characterized by mutual respect and a shared objective. This culture thrives when leaders lower hierarchical barriers and work closely alongside their team members. For example, if a project manager opts to participate actively in daily team activities rather than merely delegating and supervising, this could diminish hierarchical distinctions and foster a setting that promotes team collaboration.
By emphasizing shared objectives and collaborative responsibilities while reducing hierarchical barriers, organizations can foster a more effective and cohesive work environment through improved teamwork, creativity, and agility.
