One of the things that fascinates me is that many leaders and managers know the importance of teams to achieving something significant. At the same time there is a huge difference between knowing and applying what you know in practice.
So what are 5 secrets to successful team working you probably know but don’t routinely apply?
Secret #1: People Need Goals
Many teams get their buzz through achieving goals, targets or outcomes. Good leaders and managers know the importance of setting clear and succinct goals for their teams. They focus the goals and 3 main areas. Outcomes or big picture goals. Performance or what they will do type goals and finally process or how they will do it type goals.
Secret #2: Everyone Needs To Be On The Same Bus
By that I mean people need to be aligned and heading in the same direction. If they are not aligned what will happen is that everyone will become focused on their own personal crusades. Make the time to get people aligned to moving in the same direction.
Secret #3: Leaders Need To Orchestrate Rather Than Direct
The role of the leader or manager is not to have all the answers or do it all by themselves. Their role is to leverage the potential of each and every team member. Being willing to orchestrate rather than direct and control will make a huge difference.
Secret #4: Everyone Has Value To Contribute
One of the major benefits of a team is that they offer such a huge range of skills, experience, expertise and attributes. At the same time these benefits are only realised if people get the chance to contribute. Embrace the diversity of views and experience.
Secret #5: Together Everyone Achieves More
Working in splendid isolation gets us so far. Working together gets you to higher levels of performance.
The Bottom Line: Teams have great potential. The question you need to ask yourself if you are willing to unlock the potential of teams.
Duncan Brodie helps organisations improve team working and deliver even better results.
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.