“Teamwork -- noun: work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.” Do the individuals on your team know their part? Have you discussed and defined each role? Have you reinforced the importance of each team member’s performance to the group?

Here are some tips to reinforce team roles:
1. Don’t wait for the next performance review to define, modify or reinforce your team members’ roles. Make a point to arrange frequent, informal, one-on-one contact. Be sure to clearly relay your expectations and feedback to each team member.
2. Take every opportunity to discuss roles as a team. Make team members accountable for their failures and successes. Conduct frequent team debriefs to allow members to learn and move forward as a group.
3. Take the time to celebrate even the smallest accomplishments as a team. Employees who feel they are contributing and are appreciated are better team players and more productive overall.