When things are tough or when we are coming out of recession and must be in a position of strength, and your team needs to perform at its highest. This article, which follows on from “How to inspire your team Part 1,” Continues with five more steps you can follow to encourage them and produce outstanding outcomes.
1. Everyone should be aware of what role they play.
You’ve set your goals for the team, as well as each team member (Tip 3). Set the time to reflect on the progress they’ve made, and get to know each of them. If you’ve scheduled a time with them, be sure to stick to the schedule! Nothing is as demoralizing as having your boss cancel an appointment that they’ve scheduled with you to talk about what you’re doing.
At a minimum, you should be reviewing your performance on a regular basis every six months and informally every six weeks or at least every six weeks or.
2. Get feedback from them
Feedback must be in two directions and both by you towards them and also from them back to you! There are several ways to accomplish this:
* Talk to the individual in their review of how they feel they’re doing, as well as what you’re doing.
* In collaboration with the entire team at regular team meetings or on an ad-hoc occasion when working on a new idea or when the situation is going to be changed.
In addition, it will assist in creating an atmosphere of confidence.
3. Focus on your strengths
We all perform better when we’re doing what we’re skilled at! You’ll experience better performance with a round pin that’s in the round hole, instead of complaining that your square pin won’t work!
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t challenge your team or give the team the chance to build new abilities. However, make sure that their primary tasks are based on their strengths.
In giving feedback, it’s appropriate to discuss what could be improved, but it’s essential to keep that in line with what they’ve already achieved.
4. Communicate, communicate, communicate!
Make sure your team is informed! There are plenty of ways to do this:
* Provide a five-minute daily briefing throughout the day that everyone has access to
* Design a bulletin board to help get the most important messages across. And keep it current!
Use a message book
The most effective communication should be two-way! Therefore, ensure that there’s a possibility for your team to participate, e.g., during the briefing, what they’re working on today What their priorities are.
5. Take time to enjoy yourself!!
A happy team is a well-motivated team! “Fun” can mean different things to various people.
It might be about competition when setting goals. It could be just a time to talk regarding non-work-related issues or to have a beverage after work. However, …. keep in mind that everyone has various commitments and this could result in some people feeling isolated. So…how would you feel about an extended lunch break where everyone can gather.
Or, why not ask the group to participate in some fundraising activities that can add a bit of enjoyment?
Implementing any or all of these suggestions, you can ensure that your team is at ease and motivated, and their performance will improve.
Sue Parsons of Vamonos Training & Development assists teams in increasing their performance. Do you think your team needs to be more competitive?