Let's take a look at a familiar team scenario:
You've assembled an exceptional team for an upcoming
project, and spent time and money choosing members based on
their experience, personalities, and skills pertaining to
the job at hand. You know you have the talent to get the
job done, so there is no doubt that everyone on the team is
able to make a solid contribution.
Except, very little seems to be getting accomplished.
Communication is minimal, team motivation is meager, and
strategy sessions are like pulling teeth. In fact, no one
even wants to look you in the eye.
You, as the leader, are very perplexed. These are the very
same people who, last quarter, put together and executed a
very impressive project. Their project manager gave them a
great recommendation. So what's so different about this
project? Why isn't the team motivated? Maybe they are tired
because they worked so hard last quarter. Maybe they are
sick of each other.
The main thing that's changed for this high performing team
is their leader and his or her leadership style. Your
leadership style is your approach for interacting or
working with your team, and it can make or break the
results you're after.
What's Your Leadership Style?
The wrong leadership style can easily become a threat to
your team's motivation and success. So what's the right
leadership style?
When you're working within a team environment, the leader
should take on more of a coaching role with experienced
team members. Unfortunately, new or less experienced
leaders often try to take charge or apply a very powerful
approach.
Those leaders who overpower their teams can create
unnecessary fear, interpersonal conflicts, and an overall
feeling in the team that the contributions of individual
members do not matter. This can lead to low productivity,
lousy morale, and wasted time and money. Ouch.
Quickly Get Your Team Up To Speed
Begin to lead successful teams and reap all the benefits
that high performing teams have to offer by developing a
leadership style that is both motivating and supportive to
your team.
Six Team Leadership Tips For Management Success
1. Assess whether or not a team leader is even needed
before one is assigned. Sometimes the team can self-manage
the project.
2. Participate but don't take over. Let the team work out
the planning and strategy details together.
3. Keep in mind, the one who speaks the most in team
meetings is perceived as the leader. Give all members the
opportunity to contribute.
4. Train the team together when possible to build
camaraderie and a shared understanding. Train along side
them to build rapport.
5. When appropriate and with notice, be unavailable for a
team meeting or presentation. When done right, this lets
the team know you trust them.
6. Ask your team for feedback on how they think the project
is going. Give them the control they need to present and
implement alternative approaches.
Leading High Performance Teams begins with a strategic
action plan for the right team culture.
My Suggestion: Start with examining your own leadership
style, and then put an action plan in place to align your
approach with the results you're after.
The Big Message here is to really assess where you are and
determine what changes you need to make to take your team
and business to the next level.
----------------------------------------------------
Diana Keith, owner of M-Level Systems Consulting and
Business Psychologist, works with leaders and their teams
to increase Innovation, Morale, and Productivity. Get your
Free Strategy Guide For Success
http://www.mlevelsystems.com at her website.
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