Want a boost in team productivity?  Do a check of your team’s three “E’s”:  Energy, Engagement and Exploration. A recent article in Harvard Business Review reported on research gained from MIT’s Human Dynamic Laboratory that proves patterns of communication to be the most important factor of a team’s success.  Even more important than intelligence and skill!

First, let’s explore the energy of your team.  There should be a lot of exchanges within team members either in-person, by phone or email.  Also, be sure that the communication is not always one-way; such as the leader giving directions for a project.

Next, examine the level of engagement within your team.  If your team has some members who actively participate in high-energy communication, while other members keep quiet, your team will not perform as well.

Finally, observe how your teams explore, or communicate with other business units in your firm.  Higher performing teams seek more outside connections.  Sharing thoughts and ideas with other team members outside your own department gives your team members a fresh perspective.

As a Team Leader, you can employ a few simple strategies to bring your team into the high performance zone.
First, be sure to circulate actively, engaging people in short, high-energy conversations.

Be democratic with your time-communicate with everyone equally and make sure all team members get a chance to contribute.

Listen as much or more than you talk.
Connect your teammates with one another and spread ideas around. Get ideas from other business units in
your firm.

Do you need to adapt your style or will these actions come very naturally to you?  The very first step is to know you.  What’s your communication style?

Learn more about how you can close the gap to engage employees and customers on their terms.