Expanding your business and operational activities often leads to team growth. This usually means rapid organizational changes and little adaptation time. Effective management of growing teams requires strong communication, especially with the new ones on board. Furthermore, the whole team should be well taken care of and given opportunities to grow and develop.
Here are a few tips on making your colleagues feel better during this period of growing your team to success:
1. Welcome your new team members
Gift them wеlcome kits for their first day in the company. Make it personal and useful by including a list of the best lunch spots around the office, a branded water bottle to keep them hydrated, and a kind letter expressing your excitement about working with them. This way, you will show appreciation and express your caring nature at the start of their journey with you.
Organize a team meeting where everyone introduces themselves and describes their role and responsibilities in the company. Make it fun rather than official to give your new colleague a warm welcome and show them they are a valued team member. Even a new-hire lunch with the team is a cool opportunity to break the ice and get to know each other.
2. Clarify roles and responsibilities
Don’t let your colleagues guess. Clearly explain what’s expected of them, how processes go, whom they should report to, and whom they should ask for help. Having a clear vision of their tasks and responsibilities will help them adapt and get on track easily and quickly. Of course, be understanding and ready to answer any questions they might have.
Continue taking care of your current team members as well. In case of changes in responsibilities, sit down and communicate. You want all your colleagues to have clear goals and responsibilities. Also, openly introduce new team members, the skills they have, and what they will bring to the table. This will help the team know what to expect, and warmly welcome the new colleague.
3. Promote communication
Pair new team members with seasoned ones to help them adapt while also building trust and relationships. Use experienced members as a go-to person for new hires for any help they need. This gives the ones an opportunity to shine as leaders, and the others a safe spot whenever they feel confused. The practice will also help you by giving you more time to focus on other crucial tasks as you’re growing your team. However, keep yourself available to discuss any problems or concerns the team might have.
Discuss goals and values to make sure you’re on the same page. Explain what your company and team are currently aiming for, and how the specific role is contributing to it. This will help your new colleague understand the path you’re taking together. In addition, make sure to know what their plans, expectations, and career aspirations are. This will help you make the most of them and learn what you need to do to keep your colleague loyal and satisfied.
To wrap it up, rapid team growth is not an easy task. Making a plan on how to handle it efficiently is what will help you and your team go through it successfully. Remember the journey is exciting, amazing talent is coming, and your team is getting full of energy and ideas, working for the future of your company. What’s your advice on effectively growing a team?
