Working as a team isn’t always easy. There are natural leaders and followers, different styles of communication, different ways of getting things done so a group of people might not naturally gel. Some individuals simply prefer to work solo.

However, studies show there are many benefits of teamwork both for a business and its employees, with individuals more likely to persevere and less likely to feel tired when working with others on a task.

When individuals feel connected, it makes sense that they will communicate better, provide mutual support and learn from each other. They will combine their skills, share ideas and collaborate, increasing the likelihood of overcoming challenges.

 "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts"

Aristotle.

So, if you want to boost business performance and increase employee wellbeing, what are the key ingredients for successful teamwork? Here are our top six.

• Shared goals – When everyone is on the same page, resources are aligned, and the skills and efforts of each individual channelled towards the same outcome. Individuals may be employed on separate tasks depending on their expertise, but if they are all working towards the same strategic goal, there is a much greater chance of success.

• Vision and leadership – A team needs to know where they are heading and why, and they need someone to lead the way. A leader will create a vision around the common goal that motivates and inspires the group to pull together. They will nurture each individual to get the most from their unique skills and attributes, making the team stronger overall. If there are hurdles along the way, a leader will keep the vision alive so the team stays motivate

• Balance of skills – A strong team needs a balance of skills to get where it needs to be, so it is critical to choose the right mix of individuals. With a range of skills and personalities, a team is more agile and resilient. A team of the most skilled web developers won’t deliver the best website, it needs project managers, copywriters, designers, SEO/CRO specialists and others. Similarly, a team can’t all be ambitious leaders, a mix of personalities - creative, communicative, analytical, or process-oriented – is key.

• Communication - Communication is essential to many processes (even solo work) and essential to collaborative working. Hopefully, with shared goals and a sense of purpose, the team will be naturally inclined to communicate, but that isn’t a given. A project manager who facilitates communication and information sharing with regular updates, project plans, face-to-face and virtual meetings, will help keep the team in sync.

• Trust – A team needs to rely on each other and draw on its diverse skills, so trust is vital. Providing clarity and transparency in a supportive environment where each team member feels valued and recognised for their achievements will help build that trust. It is also critical that each member of the team is treated equally and has equal opportunities.

• Happiness and well-being - Overall, research suggests that employee happiness and engagement are at the forefront of successful teamwork. Ensuring teams have fun together, organising social events and regular team activities will promote wellbeing and help develop friendships and social connections. Skill-sharing sessions that allow team members to learn from each other will also help them appreciate each other’s skills while at the same time boosting self-esteem and team morale.