There are a lot of efforts being invested in order to foster and strengthen teamwork in business organizations, in sports team, among kids at school and more.  

As you work to foster teamwork, consider this:

• If only the manager or a small part of the team is concerned about teamwork, it will be harder to attain.  
• If the team members do not take an active role in establishing the teamwork, they might develop a pattern of dependency on others whenever there is a need to strengthen the teamwork again.  
• Return the responsibility for encouraging teamwork to the team itself.   
• Start this by assembling the entire team together and introduce the concept of together identifying the most important aspects that will make the team strong.
• Let the team members discuss and decide on ways they can and wish to achieve this goal. (Record these on newsprint or other method)
• Later, make sure you do not take over the responsibility for which the team members have committed themselves.
• Work smartly to support the ideas suggested by the team, even when you find it challenging.
• Add to every team meeting agenda something like "Team Building Progress" or some way the team can revisit their goals for building teamwork.  
• This idea does require a manager that can truly delegate responsibility and authority to the team, as well as a team that is sufficiently supportive and proactive.

Does this sound like a great activity for your organization? 

If you would like more ideas, tips and activities ready-made for you to implement, click here to sign up for Leadership 101 notifications -- our newest on-demand training program that will be launched this Spring.

Leadership training opportunities are offered in many ways to meet your organization's specific needs and budget. Take a look at our different training approaches, including these On-Demand traning courses:

• Supervisor 101
• Bringing Out the Best in You and Others
• Managing Staff in Stressful Times: Celebrations and Challenges of Leading Multiple Generations
• Dealing With Difficult People
• Creating a Culture of Customer Service Excellence
• The Healthy Leader: Learning to Lead Yourself