Efficient teamwork – how it works!
#InsideHBI
Posted 20 Jul 2017
In a job like ours, where we always have a lot to do and a deadline to meet, organization and teamwork is very important. In a good team, several people work together towards a goal and support each other to achieve their goal as quickly and easily as possible.
In our team we communicate often, agree with one another, share information, work on tasks together, help each other and work closely together. We share our assignments and individually work very independently, but we organize and discuss our next steps together. Through sharing tasks, we are able to react quickly and flexibly to urgent requests – clearly, sometimes one person momentarily works more than another person, but as a team, we ensure that we tackle the next task, which would not immediately be undertaken. Every team member does the tasks assigned to him and tries to meet or surpass the expectations of others. ?
PR work is multifaceted and always involves new tasks that you might not have done or might have forgotten how to do. In a good team, however, that rarely plays an important role, as knowledge sharing is quick and uncomplicated. A short discussion later, including a few tips or structured instructions, and you can move forward. In a team, the understanding of a particular problem is great – you do not mind asking a question, because everyone is familiar with the goal and work methods. Every team member knows that a good question and a concrete answer reduces the team’s workload rather than adds to it.
Which tasks are on our agenda and who has to do what? Until when do we have to complete our tasks? With to-do lists and team discussions, these questions are quickly answered. Team meetings do not always need fixed dates, as they often interrupt the daily rhythm or get in the team members’ way. A few minutes of short discussions of upcoming tasks or task assignment with a quick “will you take that?” after new tasks come up is no problem for a well-functioning team. Through structured task assignment, every team member gets a feel of the workload of others and can quickly ask for help or transfer tasks.
A clear structure makes our team successful: in our team, every member is the direct contact between his or her respective client and the rest of the team – he or she guides the team, has the best overview of the best client, and can at any time involve another team member in work with the client. In calls with our clients, the whole team is present and shares important information directly. At any time, it is clear to everyone which tasks must be done, which goals must be filled and which successes can be celebrated. ?
A good team is based off open communication, in which everyone should be able to openly speak of his or her ideas, input and even problems. Every one of us needs constructive feedback to evolve. Proactive, positive feedback motivates us, and negative feedback – well communicated – can also positively influence work methods and motivation.
On the other hand, respect also includes basic behaviors like punctuality, observance of deadlines (without being told) and good and independent preparation for meetings and calls. Both a successful team and successful individuals must accept these basics to prevent the disturbance of the group’s work.
Heavy work and stressful times weld a team together, but celebration of successes is a part of it too! You work for a long time on a specific goal, and when this goal is fulfilled, not only are words of praise beneficial, but so is a small celebration – whether in the office or during an evening of celebration. This way, you can reminisce on a stressful period and gather energy for your next goal.
– This article was written by Jasmin Rast, Account Director at HBI.
https://www.hbi.de/en/2018/08/08/our-public-relation-tips/
