| How to Build a Collaborative Team Environment Posted: 11 Sep 2021 01:00 AM PDT Doesn't it feel great when you can work together easily with your colleagues on a project? Developing an open and trusting team may take a little while to get used to, but it'll make any project you work on a lot easier to manage. If you want a more open and engaged team, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from setting goals to managing multiple people for the most productivity! [Edit]Set an overall goal for the team to achieve. - Teams are more effective when they know what they're working toward. When you get your team together, let every member know exactly what you're expecting from the end result. That way, everyone stays on the same page and can focus on what needs to be done to complete it fully. Make sure you can explain why what you're working on is important and why the members should care about it so they feel motivated.[1]
- For example, you could pull a team together to develop a new marketing campaign that's targeted toward teens so you can find new customers.
- You may want to determine your overall goal before putting a team together so you can think of a few people who would fit the project really well.
[Edit]Set clear standards and expectations for the group. - Keep everyone in the loop to prevent them from going in different directions. Try to avoid letting your team members loose without any guidance towards how to complete your overall goal. Instead, thoroughly cover what you expect at the end of the project and some guidelines for your colleagues to follow. Give clear direction about the steps that need to get done, set deadlines for when tasks should be completed, and discuss the work ethic you want from the group.[2]
- Some questions you can pose to your team include "How do you envision this project if we do it successfully?" or "What actions can we take to meet our standards?" This helps the group feel more involved right from the start.
- It's okay for you to set some of the expectations yourself without consulting the group. For example, you may set a strict deadline for each of the actions you decide on.
[Edit]Delegate responsibilities based on strengths. - People are more successful doing something they're proficient in. Go around to each team member and ask them about which areas they have the most proficiency in. When someone's skill set lines up with any of the tasks, have them work on it so you can get the best results. Try to break down all of the things you need to do to reach your overall goal and give each team member a good balance of things to do.[3]
- For example, if you're working on an ad campaign, you may have a graphic designer mockup some example advertisements, a writer work on the copy, and a social media manager find the audience and determine what will provide the most engagement.
- Look for ways to pair people up in your group so you can get multiple perspectives on a task.
- If the people you're with don't slot well into any of the tasks you need to complete, try to find the one that they're most interested in so they feel engaged.
[Edit]Use collaborative online tools. - Many programs let you work on the same files, even if you're remote. Look for a project management app to use so everyone can see what tasks need to be done and what's already been completed. If you need to work on the same things, sign up for a cloud storage service to share files or work on web documents that multiple people can edit simultaneously, like Google Docs. That way, you can all see what you and your other team members should be working on.[4]
- Some good project management apps include Microsoft Project, Basecamp, Trello, or Teamwork.
- Cloud storage options include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud.
[Edit]Meet regularly to discuss the work you've done. - Checking in helps everyone stay on task. Try to set up a daily huddle where you can discuss what needs to get done for the day and where you left off on your duties. If you can't meet every day, at least get together once a week to talk about your progress and the next steps to take to reach your goal.[5]
- If you're working as a remote team, hop on a video call so you can still talk face-to-face.
[Edit]Share new information and news openly. - Your team is more likely to open up if they see you do the same thing first. At least once a day, share any updates or news about what you're working on so they stay in the know. This could be at an in-person meeting, over a remote video call, or just through a messaging app. Be fully open and honest with your team members, especially if you make a mistake, since it shows your colleagues that it's safe to open up.[6]
- If there is an issue, try to troubleshoot it right away so team members recognize that it's okay to make a mistake and you'll be able to work through it.
[Edit]Let team members share their thoughts. - Your team will appreciate feeling heard and offering their opinions. Open the discussion up to everyone on your team and ask them if they have any recommendations or concerns. As someone is speaking, give them your full attention and avoid cutting them off. Use the topic they mentioned as a jumping-off point for the next part of the conversation.[7]
- Be open and receptive to everyone's suggestions, or else your team won't feel like they can speak their mind. If someone hasn't had a chance to say something, ask them for their input.
- Give each team member the same amount of time to speak to make sure everyone feels heard. If you only have time for a short meeting, set a strict time limit for each person so everyone has a chance to chime in.[8]
- Give your team the opportunity to approach you outside of meetings too so they can talk to you whenever they feel the need to.
[Edit]Ask questions to get clarifications. - Show you're interested in what your team has to say by following up. If you're having trouble understanding someone's point, try to delve deeper into what they're thinking so they can explain it better. Keep asking questions until you fully grasp what the person is saying so you can consider it for the project.[9]
- Pose questions like, "Can you help me understand your thinking behind this?" or "How does this relate to your other concerns?" Both of these questions are non-aggressive and only help you get more clarity.
- Try your best to avoid judging someone for what they've said. You never know if it's a good idea until you talk it out or try it.
[Edit]Work on giving constructive criticism. - Positive reinforcement works better than saying what's wrong. Rather than telling someone they had a bad idea, say something positive before expressing your concerns. If it's something you really disagree with, frame your thoughts as your personal opinion rather than an attack on the person so it doesn't come across as negatively.[10]
- For example, you could say, "I love the color choices that you made for this ad, but I wonder if we can explore other layouts to really make them stand out more."
- You could also say something like, "Here's what I believe about the subject," before stating your opinion.
[Edit]Split your focus between team relationships and the goal. - Stay aware of deadlines, but don't forget about your team's needs. It can be really easy to have a one-track mind as you try to complete your goal, but try to balance your attention. Keep open communication so you can bond and feel comfortable discussing issues that come up. If your team needs a break, look for ways to ease their workload, such as delegating part of their task to someone else or taking over a portion of it. However, always keep the task at hand on your mind to make sure you're still making progress toward the end goal you want to achieve.[11]
[Edit]Remain open to new suggestions and ideas. - Show that you're willing to make changes so your team feels heard. Even though your team has a set goal, listen to what the other members have to say. Allow them to bounce ideas around and consider everything they say if it helps out with the project. Explore all the options you can so your team feels heard, and incorporate their thoughts into the final result.[12]
- You don't have to use every idea that someone comes up with, but you should at least discuss it to see if it would be beneficial.
- Avoid shooting down recommendations right away. Instead, ask for further explanation if you're confused.
[Edit]Follow through with promises and requests. - Let your team know you're reliable by doing what you say you will. Whenever you say you're going to do something, complete it in a timely manner. Stick to your own deadlines and put in your best effort so your team knows they can rely on you. If one of your team members asks you to do something or make a change, do your best to help them out so they feel like you're listening to them.[13]
- For example, if someone asks to work more on the creative side of a project, look for tasks that you can substitute into their workload.
[Edit]Model the behavior you want to see. - Your team will learn how to act by your example. Follow the exact same expectations you have for the rest of your team to help them get more involved. Make sure you open up to them with ideas, ask how you can help, and put in the work you say you're going to do so your team can rely on you. Since your team's looking up to you, they're more likely to mimic what they see you doing.[14]
- For example, if your teammates see you aren't engaged when someone else is talking, they may think it's okay to ignore someone's ideas too. Instead, give people your full attention so they know you're listening.
[Edit]Maintain a positive mindset. - Positivity boosts your team's mood and makes you more approachable. When you're in a good mood, your team will feel a lot more comfortable coming to you with issues or ideas.[15] Flash your smile regularly and avoid complaining about things while you're at work. You can also take a moment to thank your colleagues for their hard work, and help them out when they need it so positivity spreads throughout your workplace.[16]
- When a teammate is enthusiastic about something, get excited with them.
[Edit]Mentor your team members to help them improve. - Pass on your knowledge to help pay it forward. As you're working with your colleagues, give them helpful advice that you wish you would have known in their position. Integrate coaching and mentoring into your everyday activities by offering advice, connecting your teammates with other people you work with, and training them in new, applicable skills.[17]
- Mentoring can help your team feel involved and make them more eager to work every day.
- You can also encourage more experienced team members to mentor newer team members by having them work together on a task.
[Edit]Socialize with the team in your free time. - Build a deeper connection by having fun with one another. Plan a time where you can get together and casually hang out with your team outside of the workplace. Plan a lunch, a company picnic, or a work party so you can bond with the other members of your team. Talk about your interests outside of work and get to know each other better so you feel more tight-knit and open to discussion.[18]
[Edit]Celebrate the team's hard work. - Recognize your team's efforts so they feel appreciated. Give them credit for everything they completed and tell them why they were important in making your goal successful. Share the information with the rest of the team and company so others can celebrate with them.[19]
- For example, you could send out an email or distribute a newsletter showcasing the work someone put in and letting them know how much you appreciate it.
[Edit]Avoid micromanaging. - Micromanaging prevents your team from putting their ideas out there. It's really easy to have a specific vision of how to reach your goal, but be flexible and let your colleagues do the work themselves. Do your best to avoid questioning someone's abilities or telling them how to do their own work. Trust that your teammates will be responsible and work toward the goals you set at the beginning.[20]
- It's still okay to ask questions and give constructive criticism, but don't try to take control of the entire project on your own.
- Pay attention to everyone's body language and tone while they're talking so you're more clued in with how they're feeling.[21]
- If you're required to work with a large team, try breaking it down into smaller groups of 4 or 5 based on goals and tasks that need to get done.[22]
- Diversify your team members to get different perspectives. Try to find people that have different nationalities, ages, and education levels so they can offer another point of view on the work you're doing.[23]
[Edit]References |
| How to Prepare Garden Mulch Posted: 10 Sep 2021 05:00 PM PDT You can easily make your own garden mulch using organic or inorganic materials. Leaves, grass, straw, and other biodegradable items can be used to make a mulch that will cover your soil and add nutrients to it as it decomposes. Non-biodegradable mulch will protect your soil from weeds and keep it warm. [Edit]Preparing and Applying Biodegradable Mulch - Collect organic materials for your mulch from your backyard. Use materials such as leaves, grass, straw, wood chips, sawdust, peat moss, or pine needles as a base for your organic mulch. Pick up these materials slowly and carefully to be sure that they are dry and free of bugs. Collect these materials in a closed plastic bin until you are ready to make the mulch.[1]
- Be sure that no weeds get mixed into your compost materials.
- Collect materials on dry days and store them for future use.
- Do not use grass clippings if your lawn has been treated with weed-killing chemicals. [2]
- Break down your mulch materials as much as possible. To fully benefit from the nutrient-rich properties of your organic mulch, break or cut up all of your materials into the finest pieces possible. This will allow them to decompose more quickly. Use hedge trimmers, strong scissors, a sturdy shovel, or other tools to break up these materials.[3]
- You can use larger pieces of organic materials for your mulch, but it will not start adding nutrients to your soil as quickly, nor will it look as tidy.
- Rent a wood chipper or shredder or make wood chips from broken trees limbs or other timber. [4]
- Remove all weeds from the soil before applying mulch. It is important to remove weeds from your garden before applying mulch so that the mulch doesn't make them stronger. Use a garden fork to effectively dig out weeds from the root to ensure they don't grow back. If a weed is loosened effectively, you should be able to pull it out of the soil easily. [5]
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the soil. Certain organic ingredients in garden mulch, such as leaves and straw, can rob the ground of nitrogen. Before laying down your biodegradable mulch, fertilize the soil to prepare for this loss. You can make your own nitrogen fertilizer or purchase one at a local garden center.[6]
- Apply mulch at least 1 inch away from plant stems. Layer garden mulch on the surface of the soil surrounding your plants and trees. Be sure to leave at least 1 inch around the base of each plant that is untouched by the mulch. Plants may rot or develop a fungus if garden mulch suffocates their roots.[7]
- Apply a layer of at least of biodegradable fertilizer to make sure that it is effective.
- Remove biodegradable mulch when it is decomposed. Once the materials in your mulch have disintegrated and can no longer be recognized, remove the mulch from your soil. Gently rake away the old mulch from the surface of the soil and dispose of it. Replace it with a layer of fresh mulch.[8]
- A build-up of old mulch can produce a hard film on your soil, making it difficult for water to penetrate to the roots of your plants.
[Edit]Applying Non-Biodegradable Mulch - Use plastic mulch to prevent weeds and warm the soil. Some plants thrive in warm soil, which can be difficult to achieve in cooler temperatures. Purchase black plastic mulch from a garden center or online to cover your soil during these cold-temperature periods. Layer plastic around your plants or cut holes in the sheeting to accommodate your plants.
- Use bricks to weigh down the sheeting, or purchase garden stakes from your local garden center.
- Make a rubber mulch from shredded tires or other rubber scraps. Rubber is an effective cover for your soil that will retain heat and prevent weeds. Place scraps of tire around your plants, leaving at least 1 inch around the base of your plants. Rubber is weather-resistant and will not need to be replaced frequently.[9]
- If you don't have rubber scraps, get some from a scrap yard or recycling center.
- Rubber mulch will leave a strong rubber smell in your garden, which may dissuade some gardeners.
- Use as many pieces of rubber as needed to cover the soil in your garden bed.
- Place stones over the surface of the soil to prevent weeds. Large stones can be used as a non-biodegradable mulch that will keep weeds at bay. Place stones close enough together that weeds will have difficulty growing in between them. This type of mulch can add a decorative flair to your garden, and it will not need to be replaced.[10]
- You can also use pebbles and gravel for a finer version of this mulch.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Take a Mental Health Day Posted: 10 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT Taking a mental health day is a good thing to do every once in a while, and can really help to clear your mind and refocus. However, you shouldn't just wake up one morning and say "screw it! Today's a mental health day!" Proper planning is important to ensure that the day actually helps you feel better. [Edit]Making the Decision - Understand your situation. Why do you think you need a mental health day? What is stressing you out? Take a moment to identify the problem, and try to tease out what's going on here. Potential reasons to take a break include:[1][2]
- You're distracted by a problem at home, and you need to work on it
- You feel drained
- You haven't been taking care of yourself
- You need a break from your work environment
- You need to see a mental health specialist
- Know that taking time off is important for health and productivity. There's no need to feel guilty about taking a break. Everyone needs to recharge sometimes.
- Schools have breaks, and workers have vacation days, for good reason. Experts note that time off is important for people's well-being.[3]
- Recognize the signs of a bigger problem. Most people need a mental health break from time to time. But if you're seriously feeling bad, this may be a sign that something is wrong. You might need a longer break, or a change of lifestyle (like a new job), or some help from a doctor or therapist. Signs of a serious problem include:[4][5]
- You routinely take mental health days (or really wish you could)
- Your mental state is endangering yourself or others (e.g. an exhausted truck driver or a distracted surgeon)
- You can't focus due to stress
- You fantasize about quitting
- You often feel stressed, exhausted, etc., to the point it's affecting daily life
[Edit]Planning Ahead - Choose an appropriate date. You want to choose a slow day at work or school, so that you won't miss too much. This way, you won't spend the day worrying about what you're missing.
- If you're worried that you'll skip your much-needed mental health day, try making concrete plans. Book a spa day, buy tickets to an event, or make plans with a friend.[6]
- Make arrangements to ensure your work is taken care of. If you end up with a large pile of unfinished work, you might end up feeling more stressed. Work ahead, so that you have plenty done. Make arrangements with a friend or coworker to have them tell you what you missed, and give you any work you need to do.
- Contact your school, or your boss and coworkers. If you're in school, treat this like an ordinary absence, and if you have a job, you'll want to make sure that your team knows not to email you with work stuff. Some people are more understanding than others, so you can decide how much you want to disclose. You can say that you need a mental health day if you know that they'll be okay with it, or you can just say you don't feel well (without specifying details).[7] Here are some examples of things you can say:
- "I'm not feeling well, and I need to take the day off."
- "I need to take a personal day to sort out some issues. I will be back on Wednesday."
- "I've been feeling run down lately, so I'm taking Friday off to rest and recharge. I hope to be back to 100% next week."
- "I've noticed that my productivity and energy are way down, so I'm going to take two days off for my mental health. I'll see you on Thursday."
- Identify what you need. What has been missing from your life lately? If you identify what you need, that can help you structure your mental health day.[8] Consider what usually helps you feel calm and energized, and choose restorative activities. Depending on your situation, you might need...
- Sleep/rest
- Comfort
- A change of scenery
- Time to reflect
- Fun
- Set some goals for the day. Once you have figured out what you need from your mental health day, you can set goals to help fill that need. Setting goals helps you feel balanced, and gives you direction for the day.[9] Try setting goals related to learning or fun.[10] Here are some examples of good goals:
- I'm going to take a bubble bath.
- I want to write at least 2 pages today.
- I will listen to at least 1 podcast in Spanish.
- I'm going to go to the beach.
- I will bake cookies.
- I'm going to work on that birdhouse I've been meaning to build.
- I'll learn a new painting technique from a video online.
- I will write down my problems and some possible ways to address them. Then I'll relax.
- Set a few rules for the day, if desired. It can be too easy to fall into unhealthy or undesirable habits. If there's something that tends to drain your energy, or that would get in the way of your goals, then try setting a limit or rule for yourself. Here are some examples of useful rules:
- I will spend no more than half an hour on social media.
- If my needy friend calls, I will tell him I am busy and can't talk.
- I won't check my email at all.
- I want to work on painting, so I won't watch any TV until after 2:00.
- I'm putting my phone on silent and ignoring it for the next two hours.
[Edit]Choosing Activities - Start off with a good sleep. Getting at least 8 hours (and maybe more) helps you start the day off right.[11] If you need to catch up on sleep, you may even want as many as 12 hours to truly recharge.
- Try skipping setting an alarm, or setting your alarm very late, and seeing how much you sleep.
- If you get tired later, you can take a half hour nap.
- Eat full, nutritious meals. Try to fill about 1/3 of your plate with fruits and vegetables. Avoid skipping or delaying meals, especially breakfast.[12] Food is fuel, and eating enough is important to help you have a good day. Eat food from each food group.
- Look for fruits and vegetables with strong colors (like dark green lettuce or bright red strawberries). These are signs of good nutrition.
- Pay attention to any cravings. They can tell you what type of nutrition (e.g. salt, leafy greens, fats) your body is low on.
- Avoid diet bars. Eat real food.
- Exercise. Even some light exercise can help you feel a little better, and improve your resilience.[13][14]
- Stretch or do yoga.
- Take a walk around the neighborhood.
- Play catch with friends or family.
- Dance to your favorite music.
- Do push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, and other exercises you can do anywhere.
- Play a sport like basketball, football, or baseball.
- Pamper yourself a little, if desired. Try doing something nice for yourself, like taking a bubble bath or doing your nails.
- Spend time with someone who makes you feel good about life. Hang out with a good friend or family member. See if you can make plans ahead of the time, or invite them to do something spontaneous. Together, you could...
- Go out for a meal.
- Play a board game or video game together.
- Take a walk.
- Work on a shared hobby.
- Go shopping (if your budget allows).
- Explore a new area of town.
- Try working on something that you've been putting off. Is there something interesting or fun that you've been meaning to get around to? Set aside some time for it.
- Try something that you've been meaning to try. Perhaps you've wanted to learn something new, or experiment with something. Now is a good time to try it.
- Think back to when you were a child. What did you want to get or do, that your parent(s) said no to? Try that thing now!
- Take baby steps if it's a big decision. For example, maybe you're not sure if you're ready to be a dog owner, but you think you could try dog-sitting for someone.
- Reflect on the day when you're done. Take time to rest and think. Try writing in a diary or gratitude journal.[15]
- Try writing down a few things that you're grateful for or happy about.[16][17]
- If you can't manage a mental health day, try taking a mental health hour.[18] Spend an hour doing something nice for yourself.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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