Getting the Most out of Your Team

Getting the most out of your team isn't always about having people who are equipped for the tasks at hand. It is about stirring a passion within them to achieve a common goal.

How can I do that?

Arouse an Eager Want Within Your Team

Action towards the common goal within your team doesn’t start with a to-do list and stern commands. Effective action springs from what the team members fundamentally desire. As a leader, you must be able to see things from the perspective of your team and consider the wants that they may have. You must be able to give your team more of what they want while getting more of what you want. Talk to them about what they want, and show them how to get it.

Observing another person's point of view is not to be construed as manipulating that person for your benefit and their detriment. Both parties should be gaining from the negotiation.

How?

As a leader, you MUST be personable. Each of your team members plays a crucial part in your success and they should be frequently reminded of that.  

Giving honest and sincere appreciation is required in making your team feel like they are a part of the journey. People respond better to individual appreciation rather than you as the leader tooting your own horn or applauding your team as a whole. The more each individual feels needed, the more effective they will be.

Leading by example

Your team isn’t born into knowing how to go about performing their tasks, so they must be shown. Who better than you, the leader, to show them the way? Most people don’t respond well to the old cliche, “Do as I say, not as I do.”

Criticizing, condemning, and complaining to your team won’t get you very far. Your actions are observed and adopted by your team. The way you speak, work, and act, are all viewed as an acceptable way to perform. So, be mindful of your habits as they will be reciprocated to you and your customers from your team.

Overview

 The main 3 points of getting the most out of your team:

• Arouse an eager want - help others get more of what they want, in order to get more of what you want 
• Be personable - show sincere appreciation to individuals 
• Lead by example - your habits are adopted within your workplace