If you work for an association, you’re probably used to a small staff size and a lot of work. Your to-do lists are always a mile long and there never seems to be enough time (or people) to get it all done. Executing your work with efficiency is vital to your success.
Along with your own responsibilities, it’s likely you work closely your colleagues in events, dues processing, member engagement, website content, and more. To accomplish tasks as a team, it’s also essential to create a collaborative environment where multiple personalities and work styles can mesh. Not only will this setup save time and energy but it can also bring your team closer together.
To help improve staff relationships and make your team more efficient, we’ve compiled our top tips below.
Define roles and responsibilities
It seems that most conflict stems from miscommunication. Avoid internal discord by defining roles and responsibilities at the beginning of the project. Ask for feedback on workload and disperse accordingly.
Document this information in a public spot – that way, when the project is in full swing and there are too many to-dos to remember who’s supposed to do what, you can refer to that document.
If you feel unclear about your own role or that your assigned responsibilities don’t align with your strengths, speak up. Take charge of project elements that fit your skill set. Not sure what those are? Take the Clifton Strength Finders test. All new AMO / ArcStone employees take this test to ensure their roles align with their strengths.
Pick realistic project goals and timelines
Setting unrealistic goals and timelines can quickly cause stress and friction between you and your colleagues. Have an open conversation with the project manager to establish goals that are actually achievable.
If you’re halfway through a project or initiative and you know you’ll need more time or money to accomplish everything, be honest and upfront about your concerns. Don’t wait until a week before the deadline to reveal the problem. By acknowledging the issue early on, you can plan accordingly.
Plan for project problems
This may seem counterintuitive (because how could you possibly have problems?!), but by thinking through potential issues, you’ll be better prepared to act when problems do arise. Talk to your team and expose the holes in your plan. Establish a protocol so each staff member knows what to do.
Sometimes you have to compromise
Despite your awesome hiring person, there will always be that one coworker that’s hard to deal with – we’ve all been there. No matter what you do, it just seems like your work styles do not mesh. This kind of environment can be draining.
To help combat the stress of a bad relationship, do your best to be transparent and positive with this person. Know that you won’t always “win” a work battle and that sometimes, it’s best to just let things go.
If it gets to the point where you feel you can’t do your job, talk to management. Voice your concerns and come up with a plan of action.
You spend so much of your life at your job. It’s important your colleagues be respectable and your environment positive. This isn’t just important for your own happiness but also to please your members.
