“Teams are worth appreciating because they are more creative and effective than individuals,” says Beata Drzazga – visionary, entrepreneur and business mentor.

Why do we prefer to work in teams instead of individually?

Beata Drzazga: We work in teams because of a number of benefits that come from working together, compared to working individually. Cooperation not only contributes to greater productivity, but also has many other dimensions. Working in a team, we are more likely to take risks, innovate, grow faster by learning from each other, and experience greater job satisfaction and less stress. The combination of knowledge and skills of team members gives an edge, so that teams solve problems more effectively, develop appropriate solutions faster and are better able to avoid mistakes. Employees working in teams tend to feel more confident, assuming, of course, that they respect each other and are aware of the common goal. Brainstorming is also important – discussing relevant topics together is key, as the company is one organism. Even if the final decision must be made by the business owner himself and he bears the responsibility for it, it is worth discussing the problem with other colleagues beforehand.

What are the key elements needed to gain an edge in today’s markets: creativity, efficiency, quality and the ability to learn quickly?

Beata Drzazga: Teams are undoubtedly more creative than individuals. Each team member brings his or her own unique qualities, such as experience, education, knowledge, skills or interests. This leads to a variety of perspectives and approaches to solving problems. Assigning projects to individual team members is also a form of joint work that can yield excellent results. Arbitrary decision-making can limit the use of employees’ full potential. Involving teams in strategic decision-making is also an important aspect. In running a business, it is important to stay on top of trends and offer unique value. By discussing the “pros” and “cons,” mistakes can be avoided, for example, when making decisions on fixed asset investments.

However, it’s not all that simple. In the context of teamwork, conflicts can arise, and different members have their own individual goals, often different both from those of the organization and from each other.

Beata Drzazga: Indeed, we are encountering these difficulties. Unfortunately, many managers do not deal effectively with such situations. It is important to take employees seriously. If they have their own goals, talk to them and support them in their development. In most corporations, discussions of employee goals are a formal process. I used to think that running a company would mainly require spending time on operational matters. However, it turns out that a significant amount of time must be devoted to solving employees’ problems. Above all, aggressive behavior and bullying should not be tolerated. This is another goal that is easier to achieve when employees work in teams that are well-matched in terms of characters.

In addition to conflicts, what other factors can disrupt the team? Are failed projects and excessive reporting also problematic issues?

Beata Drzazga: To avoid such problems, it is important to properly manage the work of the team. The main task of a manager is to ensure that employees can focus on key tasks. Employees, especially those who previously worked in corporations, are accustomed to communicating via e-mail. However, we should pay more attention to face-to-face meetings. Employees should know each other. Emails can be misinterpreted, and written texts do not always convey emotions, which can lead to unnecessary conflicts. E-mail communication also reduces efficiency. Sometimes we wait weeks for a reply to an e-mail, instead of immediately settling the matter in a short conversation. Emails are a good tool for initiating activities or completing them, but employees should contact each other directly during the project. Solving problems together brings positive energy that the entire organization can benefit from. Therefore, face-to-face meetings and teamwork not only help solve problems and conflicts, but also inspire. Also important are team-building meetings that help relieve stress, integrate people and resolve conflicts.

How does BetaMed S.A. manage to successfully invest in its employees, unlike many companies that try to minimize headcount?

Beata Drzazga: In the case of BetaMed S.A., we focus on hiring employees with passion and positive energy. I personally conduct interviews to notice this energy at the outset. It is important that employees feel that they are an important part of the organization and have the opportunity to contact me when needed. In our companies, we realize that we must offer our employees more than other employers to attract and retain the best. That’s why at BetaMed S.A., employees have a day off on their birthdays to celebrate, and I will pay their salaries. In addition, I introduced reduced working hours by two hours on Fridays. I believe that employees are not slaves, but co-create the company. Therefore, we must always think what we can do for them to be dedicated and loyal. I also notice that more and more companies are starting to act in a similar way. Of course, there is a need to strike a balance between empathy and demands. We need to be specific, set clear goals and monitor progress. However, employees should not feel intimidated. Erring managers who try to be tough, strong and unyielding are making a mistake. Any manager can be wrong, so it is useful to have smarter people around you with different views.

Beata Drzazga, an outstanding entrepreneur, philanthropist, source of inspiration and mentor in the business world. She is a leading speaker at both Polish and international conferences in the fields of medicine, management and economics. Her impressive achievements have been recognized with more than 270 prestigious awards and prizes, which she has won not only domestically, but also on the international stage.

Source: Manager Report