Getting work done efficiently and effectively can be a challenge when it comes to the workplace environment. Managers have different styles of managing, and employees have different approaches to implementing processes. Competing viewpoints will always exist and that’s OK – because if they didn’t, how would new ideas develop?

I believe there are three keys to making a team work. I refer to these means as, “The Three T’s.” To complete tasks proficiently, a team must be willing to help one another. They must trust each other to follow through with the responsibilities they are given, and they must be transparent in communicating their needs and pain points.

Teamwork
Not every member of your team will be proficient at the same tasks. Some might be number-driven while others have a more creative mindset. When you work together, you can determine who is the best fit person to get the job done. You’ll learn more about your teammates’ strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll foster new ideas by compiling individual thoughts. Teamwork is a powerful tactic when it’s adopted by the workplace. However, to make teamwork possible you must build a level of trust.

Trust
Trust is not easily achieved, especially when you may not agree with another person’s viewpoint. Still, it must be built and maintained so that each member of the team feels appreciated and valued. While trust is a generalized term, the meaning of it differs depending on the position you’re in. If you’re in a management position, you must trust your employees to complete the work they are given on time and successfully. You need to trust that they are on time in the morning, and getting all their work done before they go home. On the other hand, if you’re an employee you must also build trust. You should be able to rely on your coworkers to help you out when your workload is heavy, and you should rely on your manager when it comes to communication and strategy.

Transparency
Transparency is the most important characteristic your team should adopt. Transparency stems from the management team, meaning they don’t withhold any information from the employees. Whether it’s good news or a concerning issue, it should all be public knowledge. Transparency is crucial when it comes to communication. It helps employees build the trust we just touched on, allowing them to form stronger relationships with one another. When everyone is in the know, they are better able to problem solve and analyze different situations.

The keys to a successful workplace come with teamwork, with trust and with transparency. Each of these factors relates to one another and when they are adopted as a whole, the result is incredibly powerful. In your workplace, try to foster a culture that values teamwork, trust and transparency. It’s easy to talk about but difficult to implement – what are your tactics?