What are Conventions and why are they so important!?
n any business, establishing conventions is the key to creating a harmonious and productive working environment. Conventions serve as the etiquette and agreed-upon ways in which teams operate, ensuring consistency and streamlining processes. Here, we delve into the importance of conventions, particularly in productivity tools and day-to-day tasks.
Defining business conventions is about finding the balance between avoiding micromanagement and ensuring smooth productivity and effective communication within your team. While conventions are not meant to complicate matters, certain areas and items require clear guidelines to overcome potential blockers. This becomes the foundation for establishing conventions that optimise your team's performance.
To begin, gather your team or group of teams, depending on the size of your business, and evaluate your current ways of working. Reflect on past experiences and consider what has worked well and what has caused minor disruptions. This exercise will shed light on areas such as communication methods - should they be centralised, or is it acceptable to send updates via email or WhatsApp, at any time of the day, on any day of the week?
When it comes to meeting invites, explore options that strike a balance between efficiency and consideration for individual schedules. Should there be a pre-arranged time agreed upon by all participants, or is it preferable to have visibility of everyone's availability in their calendars and send an email when schedules align? These seemingly small details can have a significant impact on overall team dynamics and productivity.
Conventions are equally important when it comes to utilising business tools and platforms effectively. Let's take ClickUp, for example; by establishing conventions, such as allowing only the task assignor to mark a task as complete, businesses ensure that tasks are completed to the standard expected by the assignor, or alternatively, asking the assignee to update and complete tasks as they go, so the team can see what has been done! Conventions can also encompass practices like consistent naming conventions for files, standardised project structures, and clear guidelines for communication within the chosen platform. These conventions enable teams to work cohesively, avoid confusion, and maintain a structured workflow.
We feel that conventions really do form the backbone of efficient and collaborative business operations. By implementing conventions, you create a shared understanding, streamline processes, and foster a productive working environment. Whether it's in meetings, task management, or other areas of your business, conventions provide a consistent framework for success. This being said, it's essential to tailor conventions to suit your specific business needs. Take into account the unique characteristics, goals, and workflows of your business. Involve your team in the process of establishing conventions to ensure their buy-in and active participation. You should regularly review and update conventions as your business evolves and new tools and practices emerge.
