Perhaps the best model I know for understanding how good teams are built is Norming Storming Forming Performing team behaviour model developed by Tuckman.
In my experience you can see these stages playing out in most teams - whether on prem or hybrid - and the Team Leader's communication is key at every stage
Here's what you can expect and what you can do to help things along.
STAGE 1: FORMING
In the first stage of becoming a team you can expect to feel randomness, ad hoc decision-making and what feels like chaos.
A good leader will put simple processes into place and communicate them - when you meet, how you'll be in touch with co-workers & customers, what technology you will use and when.
Be prepared to answer questions about the business' direction, the team's priorities and changes in focus.
Expect that processes will often be ignored particularly e.g writing up conversations in Salesforce.
All of this is unlikely to stop the STORMING phase though.
Stage 2: STORMING
The nuts and bolts of setting a team up are not enough in themselves to set up a happy team. You may notice that:
Decisions seem to take longer,
People may be disagreeing with each other more often.
There may be factions forming and power struggles taking place beneath the surface.
Often the only sign of this is dull meetings but you should be aware that it may be something else, It's time to actively build up the feeling of camaraderie ( גיבוש ).
Communicate twice as much as you usually do with both the team and individual team members.
Be aware of relationship and emotional issues and talk about the challenges in becoming a hybrid team in online meetings. ( Share this model ? )
Let them know your direction - there may be uncertainties about the team and the business.
Coach your people individually through this.
Stage 3: NORMING
If you have been doing the right things you will find that agreement and consensus is starting to form among the team. The changes in roles and responsibilities are understood. You'll find that the important decisions can be made without too much friction. The team discusses and gives useful feedback on the new processes and working style.
Announce that you are interested in feedback and stay open to it.
Don't let up communicating about direction.
Stage 4: PERFORMING
Here's what you can look forward to:
Your team knows clearly why it is doing what it is doing, including the priorities.
Team members look after each other.
Disagreements that occur are resolved within the team positively.
You'll find the necessary changes to processes and structure are made by the team.
Keep doing what your are doing. It isn't easy but it is a bunch of skills to be proud of.
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