WHY AFTERWORK PARTIES HELP DEVELOP EFFECTIVE TEAMS AT WORK
Poured by
Elles Melenhorst 
Poured by
Dejan Madjoski
If not all of us, then definitely most of us are lucky to have daily experience of working in a team. No matter if it is a functional or a cross-functional project team, we are spending a big part of our time working on joint tasks and trying to accomplish mutual goals with our colleagues. The feeling of achieving success as a team is always great. If on this journey we faced constraints or had to overcome other sorts of difficulties, then the feeling is even greater!
The good news is that reaching success is not difficult at all. Effective teams do it all the time without any special or secret recipe.
Simply put, these are teams where members share mutual vision and goals, constantly working together in an atmosphere of trust and cooperation. There are several ways of reaching the state of undisputed effectiveness including steps such as establishing a shared vision, setting clear ground rules, goals and responsibilities etc. However, in all these approaches, the first thing to do in order to build this kind of atmosphere within your team is to establish an open two-sided communication among all team members. This is your base and starting point. Open communication will help people get to know each other better personally and professionally, cooperate more efficiently and grow together as a team. Without the two-sided communication, you may easily fail in coordination activities, and prove unable to resolve conflicts. Needless to say, you will face difficulties in achieving team goals.
So how do you achieve flawless communication in your team? Among the several techniques or steps, two are very important.
The first thing is to acknowledge that the essence of communication is not knowing how to talk, but knowing how to listen. Being able to actively listen to the speaker will not only help you understand the message that is being conveyed to you, but will also encourage people to come to you whenever they have something important to tell you.
The second thing is to be aware that the communication among team members doesn’t have to happen only in a formal atmosphere, within working premises and during working hours. As a matter of fact, informal gatherings in a relaxing atmosphere have proved to be much better for getting to know each other, teaming up and establishing open communication as a base for effective team work.
In regard to the above-mentioned second point, let us share one of our many experiences, specifically the one gained at the launch of the local production of Amstel Premium Pilsener that took place in April 2014. Complex projects such as these, which include many milestones and often many unforeseen complications, deserve the celebration of team success. After each success, after every win over barriers during project preparation, the project team was celebrating after work – together. And not only then. Even when we had our downturns, we were gathering together after work to discuss, encourage each other and exchange views in a more relaxed atmosphere. Finally – the day came – the launch of the project. Sharing our success with all the rest. We celebrated the launch with a ‘launch party’ attended by the members of the press and the management team, as well as, other team members. Many other celebrations of success took place during a series of ‘afterwork parties’ organized for all Pivara employees in different bars. This was an opportunity for team members to share their enjoyment with other Pivara employees and a real sense of pride was visible.
For the project team and all Pivara employees, it helped raise the sense of commitment to the project, and contributed to sharing positive atmosphere among everybody who contributed to the success of other ongoing projects.
Such afterwork events are not only needed when a project is completed. It is even more important for the good progress to have small celebrations during important milestones of a project. This is often underestimated and forgotten. Yet, it is these small celebrations that really move projects forward, contribute to open and honest communication, boost engagement and bring positive spirit. All essential elements for any project or team to function at its best.
Therefore, occasionally, consider organizing an afterwork party for project teams, departments or cross-functional teams. Meet your team in a cozier atmosphere, especially when you have important milestone to reach. You will immediately notice a big difference!
