Detailed job descriptions are the framework for team interaction and function.
Once team members have been appropriately assigned their roles, the next step for managers is communication. A house isn’t complete without walls and a roof, and team building isn’t complete without job descriptions and constant communication from the leader. Detailed job descriptions are the framework for team interaction and function.
Managers should be sure to include:
- specific roles
- interdependencies
- expectations
in each team member’s job description.
Expectations should include what a team member is expected to do if another member is absent, or if another person has difficulty performing his or her designated role. Formally adding a definition to a person’s role allows goals to be set more easily and adds clarity to a complex team dynamic.
Communication is crucial for effective team building, especially after job descriptions have been implemented. Managers should encourage development between team members to ensure that interdependencies are understood and achievable. Communication from managers will create a team that communicates openly and that is therefore more efficient and productive. A team built on communication will be able to function in times of crisis and will remain productive when team members are absent or unavailable. Managers should strive to over-communicate so that all questions are sufficiently answered, and so that seamless interactions between the leader and team members are possible.
This is Part 2 in our team building series. Review Part 1 and read Part 3 to learn how to better construct your team.
