As a leader, your team members are the backbone of your organization.
They are the ones who execute your vision, drive results, and represent your brand to the world. However, getting the best out of your team members can be a challenging task, especially in our competitive business environment.
According to a survey by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), only about 30% of Nigerian workers are engaged at work. This means that nearly 70% of employees are disengaged at work. Another survey by Gallup found that disengaged employees cost the world up to $8.8 trillion in lost productivity. That’s a staggering amount.
So, what sets high-performing teams apart from the rest? The answer lies in effective leadership. When leaders create an environment that supports engagement, motivation, and growth, their team members are more likely to thrive.
Getting the best out of your team members requires more than just assigning tasks and monitoring progress. It requires a deep understanding of what drives and motivates each individual, as well as a willingness to adapt your leadership style to meet their unique needs.
In the business environment, leaders face numerous challenges, from managing remote teams to navigating technological change. However, with the right strategies and approaches, you can overcome these challenges and create a high-performing team that drives results.
How? Continue reading to find out.
Ways to Get the Best from Your Team Members
Understand Your Team Members
Have you ever managed a team and wondered why some team members seem to thrive while others struggle? You’ve tried different management techniques, but nothing seems to work. The truth is, every team member is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
Let’s say you have a team member who is introverted and prefers to work independently. If you understand their personality and work style, you can provide them with the space and autonomy they need to succeed.
On the other hand, if you have a team member who is extroverted and loves to collaborate, you can provide them with opportunities to work with others and build relationships.
To get the best out of your team members, you need to understand what motivates them. This means taking the time to get to know each team member as an individual. Here are a few ways to do that:
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings: This is a great way to check in with team members, discuss their progress, and set goals for the future.
Use personality assessments: Tools like Myers-Briggs or DISC can give you insight into team members’ personalities and behavioral styles.
Ask for feedback: Encourage team members to share their thoughts and ideas with you. This can help you identify areas for improvement and make changes to support your team.
If you take the time to understand your team members, you can tailor your management approach to meet their unique needs. This will lead to improved job satisfaction, increased productivity, and better overall performance
Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Now that you understand your team members, it’s time to set clear goals and expectations. This is important for achieving success and getting the best out of your team.
Imagine you’re on a road trip, but you don’t have a map or GPS. You might get lost or take a wrong turn. That’s what happens when team members don’t have clear goals and expectations. They might feel uncertain, unmotivated, or unclear about what’s expected of them.
Here are some tips for setting clear goals and expectations:
Make sure goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This will help team members understand what’s expected of them and how to achieve it.
Write clear job descriptions: Outline the key responsibilities, tasks, and expectations for each team member.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs): Define the metrics that will be used to measure success and progress.
Communicate goals and expectations clearly: Hold regular meetings, provide feedback, and make sure team members understand what’s expected of them
For example, let’s say you’re a marketing manager, and you want your team to increase social media engagement. A clear goal might be:
“Increase social media engagement by 20% within the next 6 weeks by posting high-quality content 3 times a week and responding to all comments and messages within 2 hours.”
Create a Positive and Supportive Team Culture
A positive and supportive team culture is essential for getting the best out of your team members. When team members feel valued, supported, and encouraged, they’re more likely to be motivated, productive, and engaged.
Here are some tips for creating a positive and supportive team culture:
Recognize and reward team members: Celebrate their achievements and contributions to the team. As a team leader, you can create a “Worker/employee of the Month” award, where you recognize and reward a team member who has made significant contributions to the team.
Encourage open communication: Create a safe and supportive environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.
Create a sense of camaraderie: Encourage team-building activities, social events, and volunteer opportunities.
Provide Feedback and Development Opportunities
When team members receive regular feedback and opportunities for development, they’re more likely to stay motivated, engaged, and committed to achieving their goals.
How do you provide feedback and development opportunities?
Provide regular feedback: You could create a regular feedback loop, where you meet with team members on a monthly basis to discuss their progress, provide constructive feedback, and encourage team members to ask questions and seek clarification.
Create a development plan: Work with team members to create a personalized development plan that outlines their goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving them.
Offer training and mentorship opportunities: Provide team members with opportunities to attend training sessions, workshops, and conferences, and offer mentorship and coaching to help them develop new skills.
Encourage self-directed learning: Encourage team members to take ownership of their learning and development by providing them with resources, tools, and support.
Lead by Example
When team members see their leader modeling the behaviors and values they expect from others, they’re more likely to be motivated, engaged, and committed.
Demonstrate the behaviors and values you expect from your team members, such as accountability, transparency, and respect. Give team members the autonomy to make decisions, take ownership of their work, and solve problems. By doing so, you are creating a positive, productive and high-performing team culture.
Final Thoughts
Getting the best out of your team members requires a combination of understanding, goal-setting, feedback, development opportunities, and empowerment.
As you follow the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you are sure to create a positive, productive, and high-performing team culture that achieves exceptional results. What steps are you taking today?
Read also: Why Teamwork Is Crucial For Productivity & Growth
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