Build Teams and Collaborations

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.

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.

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.