Healthy teams are built on strong relationships and open communication. At AVL Growth Partners, we believe the key to creating a healthy and smart team lies in building a culture of trust, aligning team goals, and fostering accountability across the organization.
But what does this look like in practice? Let’s explore ways to build this foundation.
It is All About Communication
Communication forms the backbone of any healthy relationship within a team. “99% of the time, it’s 100% about communication,” says Alison Meadows, CPO/HR Practice Lead for AVL Growth Partners, reflecting on her past experiences with cross-functional teams. Trust is built through consistent, open communication within a department and across functions. This requires intentionality, particularly in a remote environment where impromptu conversations at the coffee machine no longer occur.
“In today’s hybrid/remote environment, staying authentic, connecting personally, and carving out time to learn about each other is crucial,” adds Meadows. Those personal connections are the glue to teams building trust and alignment.
Foster Intentional Connection in a Remote World
With less time for organic connections, leaders must be intentional about creating opportunities for their teams to bond. This could be as simple as celebrating birthdays or creating a space for casual conversations, like a “water cooler” Slack channel. “Without connection, there’s no relationship. And without a relationship, it’s hard to build a team,” emphasizes Meadows.
To foster stronger connections, consider incorporating a bank of connection questions into one-on-one meetings or team check-ins. Questions like, “How will I know you are frustrated and need support?” can spark positive conversations and encourage team members to share more about themselves.
Encourage Cross-Functional Dialogue
Building a smart team means going beyond direct interactions and encouraging cross-functional communication. Ask your team questions like, “What’s a unique skill set you bring to the group?” or “What contributions would you like to lean into?” These questions help individuals see the value they bring to the broader team and encourage a sense of ownership and accountability across functions.
When leaders share about themselves and get vulnerable, it sets the tone for others to do the same, strengthening the overall team dynamic. Discussion starters such as, “How do you like to handle conflict?” or “What specific behaviors do you appreciate most in others?” are just a few ways to proactively handle conflict and ensure ongoing trust and communication within the team.
Proactively Handle Conflict and Feedback
Conflict is inevitable and even healthy for productive teams, but how you manage it defines your team’s ability to stay aligned. By encouraging team members to discuss how they like to handle conflict, you help defuse potential tensions before they escalate. Asking for feedback on how you “show up” in meetings, whether or not you speak up enough, or if there is more you could be doing, can also promote transparency and growth.
Narrow Focus and Work Smarter
To build a smart team, take time annually to evaluate what to stop doing. The most effective teams focus on the most important tasks and eliminate inefficiencies. Meadows recalls a time when her recruiting team spent hours on reference checks that never impacted hiring decisions. “We never didn’t hire someone because of the reference check,” she says. By repurposing that time, the team could focus on more value-driven activities, such as sourcing better talent.
Build your healthy team culture with a blend of trust, intentional communication, and a focus on efficiency.
AVL Growth Partners is a fractional finance, accounting and human resources services company supporting early-stage growth companies in pivoting to the next level of growth. We serve clients across the U.S. with offices in Denver, Austin, and Atlanta. For details, visit avlgrowth.com or connect with us at hello@avlgrowth.com.
