This is the second part of a two-part e-tip on team building. Last month’s e-tip focused on the “harder” topics such as structuring your team. This month’s e-tip will give tips on the “softer topics,” such as communication, recognition and creating trust.

7 Tips for Strengthening Your Team

1. Communicate well. Make sure team members know what is expected of them to accomplish the team’s goals.

2. Recognize personal sacrifice. When a team member goes the extra mile on a project, make sure to recognize that in front of the group. That way team members know that their own personal sacrifice will be appreciated also.

3. Encourage teammates to support one another emotionally. Be a cheerleader, offer encouragement, catch someone doing things right and sing their praises.

4. Spend time with teammates away from work. The most powerful way to develop a bond with team members is to get to know them on a personal level. Organize an after-work happy hour or take different team members to lunch occasionally.

5. Communicate well. Make sure team members know what is expected of them to accomplish the team’s goals.

6. Recognize personal sacrifice. When a team member goes the extra mile on a project, make sure to recognize that in front of the group. That way team members know that their own personal sacrifice will be appreciated also.

7. Encourage teammates to support one another emotionally. Be a cheerleader, offer encouragement, catch someone doing things right and sing their praises.

8. Spend time with teammates away from work. The most powerful way to develop a bond with team members is to get to know them on a personal level. Organize an after-work happy hour or take different team members to lunch occasionally.