How to form high performing teams in today’s hybrid environment? The key question of a recent panel talk we organised together with Exellys. We invited Jeff Van Calster (Projective Group), Sandrine Murrath (Belfius), Mohamed Ahmed Shallo (Swift) and Marc Gielis (Illumina) to join us. Let’s list some key take aways.
Find balance in hybrid working that works for you and your team
Be aware of the fact that you’re working with people and you won’t be able to put everyone in the same box. Some people enjoy being at home 5 days a week while others want to see people every single day. It’s important to take everyone into account and to look for a balance between everyone’s preferences.
I have switched jobs 4 times in my career. When I switched, the only thing I missed every time were the people. Even though I loved doing that job.
Sandrine Murrath, Programme Manager at Belfius
A manager has to be a good facilitator
Being able to facilitate is a crucial skill to have as a manager. You must include everyone into the conversation. In every team there will be a mix between more extraverted and introverted people. Making sure this mix works, is where the manager comes in. They have to orchestrate the conversation to make sure that everyone who wants to share their thoughts, feels comfortable doing so.
Team-based performance is more important than individual performance
Never track individual performance. Team based performance is always the more important metric. When a team does well, but there is someone within the team just coasting along. That person will be automatically highlighted by the team. This will send a way more powerful message then a manager telling a certain team member their performance isn’t meeting certain expectations.
If you are leading a meeting, one of the most important skills is being a good facilitator. You must bring inclusiveness and have to orchestrate the conversation to give more introverted people a chance to speak their mind.
Mohamed Ahmed Shallo – CX Transformation Manager at Swift
Dare to decline meetings
These days, energy management has become more important than time management. You have to put your energy into things that you think will be the most beneficial for the company. If you get invited to a meeting to which you don’t think you will add value to, decline it. It’s something that doesn’t come naturally to a lot of people but something you might want to start doing to guard your own valuable time. Your work-life balance will thank you for it.
Conclusion
In today’s hybrid work environment, fostering high-performing teams demands a delicate balance between accommodating diverse preferences and fostering inclusivity. Insights from industry leaders emphasise the importance of managers as facilitators who orchestrate conversations to ensure every team member’s voice is heard. Shifting the focus from individual to team-based performance metrics promotes collective accountability. Strategic time management, including the ability to decline meetings that don’t add value, is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These are the principles that always guide Projective Group as we continue to partner with our clients in financial services, ensuring adaptability and success in an ever-changing industry landscape.