Crafting effective routines for your team involves finding the right rhythm that aligns with its objectives, fosters positive Relationships, and promotes Resilience. This rhythm should support the team’s goals without overwhelming its members with excessive meetings or collaboration. In our research based on 100’s of teams we have found that Routines predict whether a team will achieve high performance. Many good teams underestimate the importance and priority Routines have in sustaining high performance and do not focus on crafting them and reviewing them regularly.
To determine the appropriate cadence of meetings and interactions, consider what reinforces good relationships and facilitates the delivery of Results. It’s crucial to strike a balance between operational discussions and evaluating progress toward the team’s goals, as well as fostering collaboration opportunities and encouraging constructive challenges within the team.
Crafting these Routines is an art that requires adaptation to the dynamic needs of the team. Personality traits, such as introversion or extroversion, must be considered to ensure that all team members feel engaged and motivated. For instance, introverts may require time for reflection, while extroverts thrive on discussion and brainstorming sessions.
Experience levels within the team also influence Routine design. Less experienced members may benefit from more support and interaction to facilitate learning and confidence-building, whereas seasoned members may require less hand-holding and could potentially serve as mentors to others.
However, it’s crucial to avoid over-engineering Routines. Simplifying communication channels, streamlining processes, and periodically evaluating the tools used by the team are essential steps. Continuously reviewing and refining Routines can help identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary meetings, simplify communication, streamline decision-making and optimize tools for enhanced flexibility and efficiency.
Ultimately, the goal is to create Routines that enable the team to work cohesively toward its objectives while maintaining a healthy balance between collaboration and individual productivity. By regularly reassessing and adjusting these Routines, teams can adapt to changing circumstances and remain agile in achieving their goals
Want to read more about Routines and the impact they can have on high performing teams? Read our book Leading Edge.
