Team Productivity Tips Blog

Jul 28, 2022

Being successful in your own life means setting priorities for tasks because you understand what they are and why they're important. Working as a team? A whole different game.

In both, Brian helps teams move more efficiently, quicker and more effectively. If you're busy this fall, read below for Brian's suggestions to make the most of the time you have, encourage cooperation, and get things accomplished. Then, take a look at his course,

What do you mean by productive team collaboration?

BC Collaboration is about three elements: everyone agrees on an agreed-upon goal, there are clear steps to achieve this, and each job is assigned to a particular team participant. Additionally, there are the communication lines are clear and effective. Surprises always come up and productive collaboration is akin on how teams manage them together.

How can "delegation" and "collaboration" work together in order to improve team performance?

BC C: The delegation of tasks is essential because it makes sure that everyone knows exactly what they're contributing to the team, and assures that nothing gets lost in the cracks. Everybody should have a feeling of accountability, belonging, as well as autonomy.

When I use the term "task," I mean the action is linked to the completion of a task. Every team member should know exactly what they are supposed to do. Tasks should be organized at a point where all can see clearly what tasks they have to work on next, and in a place where everyone is able to see the current status of the project's many moving parts. Trello is a great tool for this, no matter what size your group, and helps keep everyone on track.

A sample team Trello board from Brian Cervino's  class,  Productivity & Time Management: Get More Done.

Why shouldn't teams be working together all every day?

BC The most important thing to do is remember that every member of the team might work in a different way and it's imperative to communicate the higher-level team demands in advance. This creates the most effective, most collaborative environment. In the end, everyone is responsible for accomplishing the tasks assigned to them. On my team at Trello, we try and reduce meetings to ensure that everyone can be "heads down" when needed, and focus on a job without interruption.

How do team leaders foster positive work environments?

BC: I would suggest three suggestions.

First, find an efficient system that is able to be easily adapted to the team's needs. The goal is to create a system that provides an accurate picture of the roles of each person, as well as what still needs to get completed.

Second, be clear communicators and facilitates for progress Be sure to eliminate any obstacles slowing down someone's work.

Remember that building a great team workflow usually requires the use of some trial and failure. If something isn't working after a few days or even weeks, don't count it a failure. Instead, be ready to adapt and modify your tools to your needs.

You get a lot done during the course of a single day. What do you do to stay on top of your game?

BC: For me, it's all about discovering my most creative moments that are when my brain is exploding with thoughts. I make sure to capture each of them since I don't always have the time in the moment. I've found that being able to identify and implementable that I can go back to later is vital to me. What about in the middle? The team I work with can attest I drink plenty of coffee.