Building resilient digital teams to drive growth in the new year

As we approach the new year, thousands of organisations around the world are reflecting on their objectives and ambitions ahead. 

For many, a key focus is on rethinking how they can build strong and cohesive teams to drive growth and revenue in a digital-focused capacity.

A strong team is like a well-oiled machine, with everyone working together to achieve your organisation’s goals. But how do you ensure your team is ready to rise to the challenge? 

Below, we’ll cover how you can create and nurture resilient digital teams that deliver increased productivity, enhanced innovation, and optimal performance.

1. Encourage open communication and cross-functional collaboration

Strong digital teams thrive on open and honest communication where everyone is involved in important discussions and can share their ideas freely.

According to Microsoft, 96% of business decision-makers and 95% of surveyed employees believe effective communication is one of the most critical skills they needed this year. 

Moreover, almost 86% of employees and executives identified poor collaboration and ineffective communication as the root causes of workplace failures, according to Visix.

However, if your team is hybrid or remote, it can be challenging to foster consistent communication and collaboration that drives results quickly and effectively.

That’s why it is incredibly important for decision makers and employees alike to schedule regular virtual check-ins, team meetings, and even one-on-one coffee chats that can help maintain a culture of transparency. 

Making the most of digital collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Trello also help to streamline communication and keep everyone in the loop.

Lastly, to create an environment where critical information and feedback flows freely, business leaders should encourage your team members to share their ideas, ask questions, and voice concerns where possible.

2. Embrace flexible ways of working and adaptability to new changes

How to create flexibility in team environments

Many organisations recognise the value of flexible ways of working for their workforce, with more than 78% of Australian businesses in the private sector having flexible working arrangements in place.

Not only do employees benefit through enhanced work-life balance, but remote or hybrid work options have been shown to enhance productivity and job satisfaction, leading to stronger team dynamics. 

When employees and companies have flexibility in their working options, 71% report their team is innovative, compared with 57% without flexibility. 

Factors such as having the ability to create their own efficient work environment (without distractions), more time and space to focus on their tasks, and less commuting time, lead to increased productivity and competitive advantages for businesses.

Hence, digital teams thrive when given the autonomy to work in environments that suit them best.The key is to have effective systems, processes and online collaboration tools in place to drive high-performing digital teams.

How to build adaptability skills

The digital landscape is constantly changing, and teams need to be agile to keep up, responding to changes and situations with agility and confidence.

One way you can foster adaptability is by getting input from the team when you practise facing different challenges and brainstorming unique solutions for each challenge.

By constantly exposing you and your team to new challenges, this teaches you to experiment with various approaches and think outside the box to solve the problem(s) at hand. It’ll also help you to develop trust in your own abilities as you’ll learn to be comfortable making difficult decisions.

When responding to changes impacting the business, it’s also important you provide the tools and support needed to pivot strategies when required.

Being adaptable doesn’t always equate to thinking on your feet when something goes wrong, but having a plan or alternative strategies in place to refer to when the situation calls for it.