Tips for Meeting the Team

When working collaboratively with another team – it is a great idea to meet the team and have a social or networking event to help break the ice and help you work together better. At the outset. Not just at the end of the deal. So what do you do when meeting the team you will be working with for the first time?

NTFB Tips for Meeting the Team

Before Meeting the Team – Be Prepared.

To help make the most of the meeting make certain that you understand the project/deal that you will be working together on. If possible also clarify your role in the team (but it may be that this won’t be decided until after the meet up) and what you are expected to know and may be asked at the meeting. (yes, it is time to swot and get ready to impress).

Before Meeting the Team – Check who you will be meeting.

The meet-up will provide an opportunity to get to know the members of the team and establish some common ground and ways you can work together, however, it helps if you have a bit of background like who will be attended and what their job description (or role) is.

At the Meeting

It is important to build a good working relationship. Take some time to get to know the members of your team, learn a bit more about what they do and their role on the team, their background and what they will be able to contribute and their interests and a bit about their life outside of work. As with all networking don’t grill others with personal questions and try to keep your own personal disclosures relevant and professional.

Creating a Team Strategy

An element of the meet-up might be to come up with a team strategy/plan or way to move forward. You should actively participate in these discussions and contribute to decisions.

As with any collaboration or team project there you may be:

• brainstorming and problem solving;
• sharing insights and experiences on ways to manage the project/deal or on meeting objectives,
• identifying jobs and tasks to be done;
• identifying strengths on the team;
• identify preferences for which roles each team member would like to take on and negotiate responsibilities.
• deciding on a routine for reporting and/or feedback – for example agreeing a regular meeting time.

After the Meeting – Follow Up

As with any networking event you should follow up after the event. Follow-up should include:

• creating a master list of names and contact information and distribute it to members (if this is not already being deal with);
• dropping team members a personal follow-up email;
• dealing with any action points that arose;
• connecting on LinkedIn (if appropriate); and
• making an entry in your CRM system.

Is there anything specific you do when meeting a team that you will be working with in the future?

Share any tips in the comments.