5 Tips To Set Your Team Up For Success
I just had a call from a call centre offering to provide finance for my business. At first I felt annoyed at the intrusion and at finding it impossible to get a word in as the person launched into a prepared script.
Then I got curious about what it would be like to be that person, and how demoralising it would feel to have to pump out the numbers, stick to a script and a process that has a high possibility of failure and, in many cases, rudeness and aggression.
It felt like this team member is operating in a system that runs a model of sales as a numbers game that forgets that it is also a research, service and relationship game.
What would it be like to be part of that team?
What elements of an outdated way of operating show up in your team? The successful teams I work with have a positive and sustainable high performance culture focussed on building skill and capability that strengthens both positivity (a great team to work in) and productivity (we get things done!).
Here are 5 to work on today:
#1: Clarity about results
Teams exist to produce results, in order to produce results, clarity on what this looks like is integral. Think about a sports team that you have been or are involved with, you turn up to get a result – to win the game. Get clear about what you are striving for as a team - check in. Is there agreement on this? Have the goal posts moved? If so what needs to be adjusted.
#2: Decision Making
High Performing teams make decisions. They are clear on how decisions are made within the team, whose responsibility the decision rests with, who needs to be consulted and who just needs to be informed. The RACI model is a very effective way to capture this.
How does your team rate with making decisions? What decisions need to be made today?
#3: Accountability
It takes grit and courage to live up to your accountabilities. Teams who thrive have team members who own their accountabilities and support their team. What are you accountable for? What is the team accountable for? How do these align?
#4: Communication
We know that communication is a cornerstone of both team productivity and positivity, and being human we often put less effort into investing in our communication. We assume because we can communicate that we are effective – often to our detriment. Take a moment to tune into the atmosphere of your team. What’s the conversation that no one is having? Have that conversation today.
#5: Respect
Respect is a foundation of High Performing Teams. Teams who demonstrate respectful behaviours towards each other perform better than teams who don’t. We know this. However we often confuse respect with trust and believe others’ have to earn our respect before we behave in a respectful way. Have an honest look at how you as an individual contribute to a culture of respect in your team and how you contribute to a culture of disrespect?
Begin today by behaving in a respectful manner; it will create a healthy environment to grow from.