As a Team Leader or Manager, you may be blessed with the best of experts. Still, their skills, either individually or as a group, can take you only so far in your success, especially if they are not performing to their true potential. The best Individual Contributors may flounder when they assume the responsibility of a Lead.
Whilst your client/project deliverable is your prime responsibility, this aspect formulates only the ‘What’ about your role. The other aspect, i.e., the ‘How’ aspect, comprises your team’s motivation & eventually, their performance. So, in order to be able to achieve your ‘What’ with a bang, please make sure that you give sufficient & more attention to your ‘How’! Here are a few easy tricks that can help you inspire your teams-
1) Find out what they ‘Truly’ need
Listening to your individual team members’ needs is the fastest way to ensure their success in their endeavors. Talk to them often and fulfill as many of their resource/information/data, etc. needs as possible to help them achieve their best.
2) Share your company’s ‘Meaningful’ vision
In addition to the profitability impact that your team makes on the company’s bottom line, make sure you paint a meaningful vision of what and how their hard work makes a difference.
3) Be ‘Respectful’
Whilst some team members are content with rewards and awards, for most people, it is essential to know that their ideas/inputs/creativity are well-received and appreciated. They should feel the freedom to wear their thinking hats and openly share solutions. Even if you do not find their inputs apt to the situation at hand, make sure you acknowledge their initiatives and prompt them in the right direction.
4) Steer clear of ‘Micromanaging’
The fastest way to lose your team’s confidence & respect is to micromanage their efforts. A True leader steps back and lets their team do their jobs without standing behind their shoulders. Instead, inculcate a conducive and safe environment for your team to huddle up and find solutions on their own. Pitch in only if you foresee a challenge or they approach you!
5) Lead by ‘Example’
Behaviors, actions, or initiatives—if you maintain the bar that you have set for yourselves and your team members, your leadership style will not only earn you genuine respect from your team; it will also rub off on them. In the process, you will have subconsciously started the grooming process for your successor as you are looking for a higher role/responsibility in your company.
6) Be ‘Persistently Reliable’
Follow through on the promises you make to your team. When leaders say one thing but do another, they erode trust, a critical element of productive leadership. Make sure that your team sees you as persistently reliable in what you say or do. Avoid making any promises that you may not be able to see through.
7) Be ‘Decisive’
You are in a Leadership role for a reason! Your management has seen your ability to be courageous and, if needed, walk through fire and crisis to make concrete decisions. Offer solutions to your team first, then seek their input and conclude with a decision for the team to follow through.
8) Set a tone of ‘High Positivity’
Even the most dull & mundane tasks can be made fun of in an environment charged with happiness & high positivity. Let your emotions shine through – Smile, laugh & and have fun with your team – not just because you need to motivate them but also because you help them all do & become a better version of themselves.
9) Accept your ‘Mistakes’
To err is to be humane. It is okay to let your team know that you made a mistake or erred in your judgment or decision. The key point to remember here is to shift gears into problem-solving mode. This will encourage your team members to try and take calculated risks, own up to their mistakes, and jump into a solution-seeking mode.
10) Encourage their ‘Personal Growth’
As a leader, you can use your association with your team members to understand their motivations. Each individual is unique with their own set of aspirations. Mentor them wherever you can and guide them with avenues where your contribution is limited. Share books or lead them to people who can help them accomplish their personal goals. Remember – You are only as good as your team. It is your job & duty as a leader to set the bar, inspire, and motivate your team to reach greatness – both personally & professionally, so use your position wisely & maturely.
