When new officers are elected or new members join the RSO, you may need to take the initiative in turning the students from individuals with separate goals and expectations into a team. Team building is important because it enhances the relationships of the students between one another and the Advisor. Positive relationships help the organization succeed and to work through conflicts and difficult times.. As the Advisor, you may consider working with the student officers to develop a plan for team building and to have the students implement it. Training students in effective techniques for team building will keep students invested in the organization and give them the opportunity to learn what it takes to build a team.
To have effective team building, a team’s goal must be identified and agreed on—in this case, ask yourself and your students, “What’s the point of my RSO?” Once you’ve established this, create a culture of mutual respect. Improve your team’s interpersonal skills—this means both listening and talking. Remind students that team work is not competitive A team focused on a common goal is not a debate between members. The team wins collectively or fails together.