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How Leaders and Managers Limit The Potential Of Teams
At some level every leader and manager recognises the potential of teams to delivering great results. Despite this leaders and managers sometimes unconsciously can limit the potential of teams in a number of ways.
Not Setting Clear Goals
If a team is not clear about what it trying to deliver it is always going to be a challenge to deliver to potential. The more precise you can be about the result, the greater the potential to deliver the best possible outcome.
Failing To Make Decisions
Every decision has upsides and potential downsides. If the stakes are high it is easy to procrastinate and avoid taking decisions. Remember that decisions are the catalyst for action and results.
Failing To Support Balanced Risk Taking
We all know that to get a different result we have to try some new things. Whenever we try something new it might not work out as planned. How you respond as a leader or manager will significantly impact on how ready and willing people are to take balanced risks.
Wanting To Control Everything
Just because you have a level of seniority does not mean that you can be the fountain of all knowledge. Being willing to take more of a back seat when there are others better equipped to take the lead is the sign of a good leader and manager.
Not Listening
We often hear organisations say that they lack ideas on how to move forward in tough times. At the same time they may not be listening to the ideas and insights from those closest to the point of delivery of the product or service. Listening costs nothing and can yield real benefits.
Not Tackling Performance Problems
People sometimes fall into the trap of believing that if they delay dealing with performance problems they will somehow be easier to deal with. In my experience problems left unresolved tend to just become bigger issues.
Discounting Views Based On Stereotyping
Let’s not pretend that we have never done this. Truth is we all have at some time or another. Remember people are not there job title so get conscious about times when you are stereotyping.
The Bottom Line: Teams have great potential and the challenge for leaders and managers is to unlock that potential.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants and other professionals to become highly effective leaders. He invites you to sign up for his free audio e-course.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
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.