5 Tips to Build Stronger Teams and Partnerships

Our working relationships and partnerships are a key part of our everyday lives and instrumental to our successes and happiness at work. We have to put the ‘work’ into making these relationships effective. In this blog our VP Client Service Tracy pulls on her years of experience to offer insight and useful tips to building stronger teams and partnerships. Whether you’re a leader in your organization or a new team member, read on for tips to bring to your working relationships.

The Human Factor

The first tip is, there is no easy way to build strong teams and long-lasting partnerships. You have to be committed to the endeavor and put in the time and effort it takes to cement human connections. Even when you do that, it will often fracture, because the reality is we are human and that means we have natural instincts and learned behaviors that are beautifully unpredictable. However, in my opinion, it is certainly worth the try. 

At Vovia, we work with AI every day. While AI is fast-moving, efficient and intelligent, it is the human behind the machine who controls the vision and how it is used. We place a tremendous amount of value in our people because they are the true superpower within our operation.

Here are a few ways we at Vovia stimulate communication, collaboration and teamwork internally and nurture our relationships with external client partners. We work hard at it and are proud to say many clients have been working with us for over 7 years. 

Understanding individuals: A key element to success is recognizing that while each individual is unique, we all share common traits which can bring us together. We harness this at Vovia by leveraging team tools like E-colours to heighten our understanding of our different personality types, communication styles and behavioural tendencies. This action helps create a baseline for fostering open communication, a cornerstone of success. 

Communication is the catalyst: Why do we believe open communication is a catalyst for building stronger teams and partnerships? Because whether you are collaborating within a team or forging external partnerships, fostering an environment of transparency and dialogue is paramount. Not only does it cultivate trust and cohesion, but it sparks innovation and drives collective performance. When people feel free to express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas without fear of judgment or reprisal, it creates a culture of safety; a space that encourages participation, where individuals are comfortable contributing their unique perspectives and expertise. 

Differing views and voices: Another tip – it is not all hugs and high-five’s. Positive friction and constructive feedback are key components to facilitate open communication. While perspectives may be opposing, at Vovia, we want them to also be valued and empowered. By demonstrating respect towards different voices, it ultimately leads to strategic iterations and improved outcomes. Transparency and openness: Open communication is equally vital in cultivating successful partnerships. Whether it’s with clients, vendors, or other organizations, establishing clear channels of communication lays the foundation for mutual understanding and collaboration. We believe in transparency: openly discussing goals, expectations and challenges while offering solutions. This transparent communication fosters trust and accountability, two essential ingredients for nurturing long-term partnerships that are rooted in mutual respect and shared success.

Let’s boil this down into 5 actionable take-away tips:  

1. Lead by Example: If you are a leader in the organization at any level, your actions speak volumes. Be open and encourage others to do the same. 
2. Establish Communication Channels: Book regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and use digital collaboration platforms that are accessible to all. 
3. Encourage Active Listening: Communication is a two-way street. Practice empathy by seeking to understand others before pushing to be understood. 
4. Welcome Constructive Feedback: Feedback when given in a supportive and actionable way is essential for growth and improvement. 
5. Celebrate Successes Together: It does not matter if it is big or small, recognizing accomplishments fosters a sense of camaraderie and reinforces the value of collaboration.

While these are just the ‘tip’ of the iceberg, building stronger teams and partnerships is a never ending journey. Embrace the experience and all the highs and lows that come along with it. It’s worth the effort.