Whether you are new to a position of leadership, or have been in management for decades, there are always ways to invest in the areas of team building and strengthening the company. Here are four ideas for investing in your team in order to enhance the strengths and maximize the success of your enterprise:
1. Lead by Example
A foundational concept of effective leadership is to expect of yourself the same things you expect from others. In fact, expect more of yourself. If you want employees to arrive to work on time, make sure you’re five minutes early. If you want your team to put in the hours, exceed your required work time. If you want to foster a caring environment, be the first to show concern for those in your workplace.
2. Teach Your Peeps
Some have said that you never completely understand something until you teach it to someone else. Choosing to put yourself in the position of “teacher” compels you to take your comprehension of a topic to the next level. Take some time to think about what skillset you have that you might offer others. Look around at opportunities in your workplace, with your team, or even in your community. You are bound to find someone (or even a whole class!) eager to learn from you.
3. Let Others Teach You
None of us are all-seeing or all-knowing. If we want to be effective in leading others, we must first be willing to listen to others. Ask for input (and be mindful of your reactions when you receive it). Welcome feedback, even if it’s not easy to hear. Whether polls, surveys, or team discussions – do what it takes to let others participate in making the company a better place. It is the best way to improve.
4. Recognize Achievements
One of the greatest ways to encourage maximum production is by recognizing and appreciating those who do their best. You usually know who they are. They’re not always the most obvious about their accomplishments, but when they work, you see the results and the difference is obvious. Show appreciation, thereby encouraging team and individual efforts. Let your praise for your team members be a part of your workaday world.
The more you invest in your team, the more you’ll realize what a wise choice it is, and the more you will want to keep on making investment that have such great dividends.
Grow Big or Go Home!