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Building an exceptional team takes persistence, high energy and deliberate focus on fundamental principles. The results, whether good or bad, can be traced back to the quality of leadership. The most successful leader will develop an outstanding team of productive people by inculcating each team member with the following fundamental principles. Share the Vision Clearly define and share the common purpose and goals with all team members, often. Much has been said and written on mission, purpose and goals. Many companies have beautifully framed mission statements hanging in their company’s main lobby. Yet, if you ask the average worker what the mission, purpose or goal is and how it relates to their job you will occasionally draw a blank stare. Repetition and personal application is vital to build goal focus and positive emotion for each team member. One on one communication is the best way for the team leader to help team members become involved. People become involved when they understand why and how the purpose and goals are in their own as well as the team’s best interests. Purpose and goals need to be discussed and explored often. Encourage Involvement It’s not only about money. Encourage each individual to help shape the team goals and use their unique talents and strengths to get results. People want to be involved and want to be a part of something beyond themselves. When you genuinely guide people to share and then you listen, you build trust and respect. People will give more than 100 % if the plan is of their own making, if they helped build it. On the other hand, if all the ideas are those being dictated by an autocratic leader, people have a tendency to become disengaged and lack enthusiasm for the group effort. Communicate Communicate honestly and openly. This means you develop an atmosphere where information flows freely. People are able to express their opinions without the fear of incrimination. The focus is on the quality of the idea and not the popularity of the individual sharing the idea or possible solution. Encourage all members to volunteer new ideas and solutions. We all know that the only dumb question is the question that isn’t asked. Different people see things different ways. Respect the individual and have the patience and courtesy to listen to all questions. Honor the individual. Evaluate and weigh each suggestion based on the quality and merits of the idea, not the personality of the presenter. Promote Feedback Give and receive honest feedback promptly in a positive way to ideas, attitudes, activities and results. When an individual is truly comfortable with whom they are, they can receive positive and negative feedback without an emotional reaction. Do you receive compliments and criticism with equal grace? Everyone has room for improvement. It takes a very strong individual to accept valid criticism from someone who is clearly younger, less experienced or just learning a new job. Never forget the old admonition: If the shoe fits, wear it. You will be a better person. Develop Discipline Develop team standards and reward disciplined work habits. Watch what people pay attention to in the routine of the workflow. Those things that are noticed by the leader will be repeated. If the leader pays attention to everyone being punctual, people will arrive at work on time. If the leader pays attention and rewards results, people will strive to get results. Cultivate Respect Be a peacemaker. Sincerely care for each other and assist others to solve problems and resolve conflicts. The team will function best when people are harmonious. Good communication skills are like oil is to a machine. If there is no oil, the machine will run hot and may even seize under pressure. Make quality communication a priority. Do training on communication skills. Have everyone work at treating the internal and external customer better. Build understanding through deliberate study. Practice the lessons learned and drill for skills. Strive for Balance Everyone does everything they do for a reason. It is usually to gain a benefit or to avoid a loss. Strive for balance between attaining team results and each member’s personal needs and goals. Once you accept the reality that everyone is primarily concerned about their own self-interest it makes it a lot easier to build a team. Each person has to personally benefit from his or her efforts. Additionally, the team must benefit. The challenge is to combine the two benefits. The individual must win. The team must win. The two a mutually dependent on each other for success. The quality leader will assist each team member to work this concept out in his or her own mind. This is best done with several one on one meetings. These fundamental principles will serve you well as you build your team. Review them often with each team member. Practice learning together and remember to have fun along the way. Let’s Build a Great Team !!!
Clearly define and share the common purpose and goals with all team members, often.
Encourage each individual to help shape the team goals and use their unique talents and strengths to get results.
Communicate honestly and openly. Encourage all members to volunteer new ideas and solutions.
Give and receive honest feedback promptly in a positive way to ideas, attitudes, activities and results.
Develop team standards and reward disciplined work habits. Be a peacemaker. Sincerely care for each other and assist others to solve problems and resolve conflicts.
Strive for balance between attaining team results and each team member’s personal needs and goals. |
