 As a manager in your business, it’s your job to foster and encourage team identity. Research shows that even selfish individuals become cooperative — and possibly altruistic — when they feel that they’re part of a group. So how do you strengthen your team’s identity? Reward behaviour that advances the goals of the group, rather than the individual. Offer your team bonuses, recognition, raises, flexibility, and opportunities based on the entire group’s performance. To avoid free-riding, individual rewards should be given to individuals who make important contributions to the team’s success. This rewards indispensable team members — the unsung heroes who work late, cover for colleagues, and enhance the success of the group. Combining individual and collective rewards ensures that individual members are encouraged and motivated to pursue the team’s goals and help the team succeed.  #Results #Accountability #Commitment #Conflict #Trust AuthorJane Galbraith is the Owner of Market Route Mapping and a Business mentor with Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce. She writes and speaks about developing staff and growth in businesses. Follow her on Twitter at @RetailMapping |