Build Teams and Collaborations

Build teams icon
We must actively foster collaboration, within and outside of our immediate team including across organisational siloes. Encourage individuals to strive for shared goals and work towards a shared purpose, even when working independently. By building teams, we create a sense of belonging, which can improve diversity, and where critical thinking and creativity are informed by different perspectives and constructive challenge.  
A conductor is conducting a choir and orchestra in a concert hall.
Build teams icon
How you can demonstrate this behaviour in practice:

Develop cohesion

Cohesion is built when there are strong connections between team members. It is based upon trust, respect, and an understanding of each other’s environments, individual preferences, strengths and weaknesses. Encourage team members to interact regularly and feel comfortable sharing their thoughts freely and honestly. Strong interpersonal relationships facilitate collaborative working and encourage a focus on group goals over individual success.

Be an advocate

Being an advocate means taking action to create a positive and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. To advocate for your team, act to establish the necessary support and resources for them to be effective, and make sure that they are recognised and rewarded for their work. Take the time to nurture the team, understand their needs, and support them to identify and work through challenges.

Celebrate success and destigmatise failure

We play a role in both the successes and failures of our teams, and you should demonstrate this by jointly and visibly taking accountability. Recognition does not have to be outcome-orientated and can be offered for an individual’s effort or approach. Reward others by communicating work widely, celebrating, and sharing positive feedback. “Failure” is an enduring feature of academia. We often face setbacks in the form of rejected grant submissions, unsuccessful promotion applications, and imperfect student evaluations, for example. Encourage a culture where failure is normalised and seen as an opportunity for learning and growth.

radar

Where are you on your leadership journey?