How can I Get the Team to Work Together?
How can I get the team to work together?
Do the members of your team seem to act in ways that are contrary to the concept of "Good Team Work"?
Do your team members sometimes fight amongst themselves, and tend to work against each other; rather than with each other? If so, what can you do about it?
Poor team work
It is important that you do tackle the problem of poor teamwork because the effectiveness of any team is dependent on a cooperative spirit.
If there is no cooperation within a team; or worse, if there is too much antagonism between members of the team, then the team's productive capacity will be decimated.
On the other hand, if you can induce the members of the team to find a common frame of reference that will allow them to work together in a spirit of cooperation, then you will tap into the full productive capacity of the team.
The key phrase in the above sentence is "Common frame of reference".
Find the common frame of reference
Although we are all unique and different, it is important to recognise that we are, in many ways, the same. And rather than focusing on our individual personalities and how they make us different from everyone else, wouldn't it be better to focus your attention on what is common to us all, and to use that common factor as your "common frame of reference"?
So what attribute is common to us all?
What attribute do we all share, irrespective of whether you are: a man or a woman; young or old; senior or junior; intelligent or not; educated or not?
What quality do we all share that is inherent in all of us and can form the basis of all team relationships?
Answer: we are all rational beings
Mankind is the only rational animal on the planet. It is the human power of reason that makes humans, human. Without the power to reason, we are (as Desmond Morris called us) Naked Apes.
But you are not a Naked Ape. You are human with a power to reason. Your power to think and to reason problems through with the power of logical deduction and analysis is what makes you special. Your rational faculty is what makes you a Super-Ape. It is the rational faculty that makes humans what they are.
Your rational mind
Your rational mind is what accounts for all your distinctly human powers: your power to read, to write, to speak, to plan, to solve problems, to add up, subtract, divide and multiply, to design technology ; to read maps and understand written instructions.
These are all a function of your rational mind. If you lost your reason, people would say you have lost your mind. Your reasoning mind is your human mind.
Treat all people and all problems according to the principles of reason
In order to build a good team, use reason as your common frame of reference.
The rule I want to suggest is this: Treat all people and all problems according to the principles of reason.
Never treat people unreasonably.
Never be irrational in your actions.
What does it mean to treat people and problems rationally?
It means base all your decisions on a logical evaluation of all the available facts. Don't make decisions based on guesses, or whim, or on whatever seems the easiest option.
Judge people according to the facts of their behaviour.
Don't prejudge people according to your prejudices: Don't judge people because of their colour; or gender; or country of origin, or age, or social class, or accent.
Treating people rationally means; don't get emotional when in conflict. When in conflict don't use highly charged and opinionated, emotionalised, evaluative language, instead use factual, objective NON emotionalised and NON evaluative language.
In general then my point is to treat all people according to a logical evaluation of the facts of their behaviour.
And ask others to treat you according to a logical evaluation of your behaviour: you should not allow yourself to be treated according to prejudice, or malice, or in a threatening way, or in a derogatory way. Insist on being treated as a rational being!
The team should be organised along rational lines.
The team need to agree the following:
- What is a rational logical goal at which we should aim? Name the target.
- What is the rational plan of actions that will allow us to hit the target?
- What is the logical sequence of those actions that will cause us to be most efficient in our use of resources?
- What is the proper method of rational communication by which all of us can relate to each other whilst at work, irrespective of our "personality types" or other "unique needs"?
Teams fail when they fail the test of reason.
If you fail the test of reason, then the team will fail.
Look what happens if you break the four principles listed above:
- If you cannot agree on what the goal should be, the team will fail.
- If you cannot agree a logical plan of action, then your team will fail.
- If you cannot agree the right priority order of the actions on the plan, then your team will fail.
- If the communication within the team is too emotional, or based on non rational principles such as discrimination based on age, gender, race, country of origin, social orientation, or class, then the team will begin to fragment and fail.
In all cultures there is a certain respect for reason.
For example in English law you can use, "Reasonable force" to protect yourself and your family. But not unreasonable force.
Reasonableness, rationality, logic, a respect for facts, rational goals, rational plans, rational actions, rational conversations, rational conflict management - these are the hallmark of a productive team.
Understanding Team Dynamics in the Workplace.
Definition: Rational thinking
Rational thinking is a business principle that tells a team to judge each issue by logic and fact. It removes bias and strong emotion, sets one clear goal with a step by step plan, and keeps talk calm and fair. If any part is missing, the thinking stops being rational.
Show CG4D Definition
- Relies on logical evaluation of all available facts
- Excludes prejudice, bias and uncontrolled emotion
- Aligns actions to clear goals through ordered plans
- Uses calm, objective language to share ideas and resolve conflict
Article Summary
Teams thrive when every member uses reason as common ground: agree one clear goal, build a logical plan, set task order, and speak with calm facts. This simple rule turns conflict into cooperation and unlocks full productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What are the main causes of poor teamwork?
How does a common frame of reference unite a team?
Why is rational thinking vital for team cooperation?
What steps help a group set one clear, logical goal?
How can teams keep communication rational during conflict?
What happens if a team skips setting task priorities?
How does rational decision-making improve productivity?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace report says that teams with clear goals and high engagement show 18% higher productivity than other teams. The 2023 Microsoft Work Trend Index found that 68% of workers waste time because of poor team communication, losing up to one work day each week.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Teamwork
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Tuckman's Five Stages of Team Development
Discover the Tuckman model's five team development stages and learn why leaders must move from description to action to raise team performance and morale.
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Building Better Work Relationships
Learn how to build better work relationships with ten habits: avoid rows, listen first, praise, be polite, fair and upbeat, and turn conflict into team success.
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Team Problem Solving
Learn the Mastermind Principle for team problem solving: form a small, diverse group, set a shared goal and watch creativity rise, speed and profits soar.
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The use and abuse of humour at work
Learn why workplace humour lifts team spirit yet turns toxic when it mocks or puts people down. Get clear tips for leaders on safe, professional humour at work.
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How can I motivate the team?
Boost team motivation with proven positive drivers. Swap threats for clear goals, praise, fair pay and friendly contests to lift energy, engagement and profit.
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Looking for People Management Skills Training?
If you're looking to develop your Teamwork Skills, you may find this People Management Skills Training Course beneficial:
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