Instructions

1

Develop and review a team mission statement. Plan a meeting with your team and ask them to come up with a mission statement for the group. Allow them to have as much investment in the mission statement as possible. You may need to give some guidance and direction, but delegate as much ownership in the process as possible. To maintain excitement with the mission statement, print copies out for each team member and frame a copy to be displayed in a prominent place. Review the mission statement often in team meetings to chart progress.
2

Be a model team player. As the leader of a team, if you are not modeling teamwork the sense of unity will soon crumble. Look for ways to specifically encourage team members. Catch them doing something well and compliment them in front of others. Invest consistent time checking on how each individual is doing in his work and personal life. Look for ways to serve team members, known as "servant leadership." A servant leader looks for ways to care for those under his lead in tangible ways. By modeling servant leadership, team members will be motivated to do the same for each other.
3

Look for ways to get all team members involved. This involves planning ahead and delegating specfici responsibilities for projects based on team members talents and passions. Have each person complete personality and strength tests to help you look for specific ways to utilize everyone's gifts and passions. Team spirit grows as team members sense they are contributing in a positive way, and in a way they enjoy.
4

Set specific goals for the team. Involve your team in coming up with short-term and long-term goals. These goals can be sales or service goals if in a business setting. In a sports setting, numbers of wins and team performance goals can be set. Make sure goals are attainable. Look for fun and creative ways to reward teams when they reach the goals. Also, chart progress toward goals on an ongoing basis.
5

Encourage conflict resolution. Many leaders avoid conflict with team members. Other leaders have no trouble with conflict but handle it in an improper fashion. Teach team members to keep "short accounts" with each other and yourself. Keeping short accounts means not allowing a disagreement to linger, but to deal with it quickly. Encourage honesty and transparency in communication, and discourage talking behind other team member's backs. Share the idea with them that conflict can actually bring team members closer together when handled properly.
6

Plan shared experiences together. Team spirit can be greatly enhanced by enjoying fun outings and experiences together. Take the team out to a ballgame or concert. Go on a camping trip together. Have a weekly group lunch date. Look for ways to invest in relationships with your team. Team spirit can never be maintained without growth in relationships. Cultivate this in creative ways.