Greetings Friends!!! I pray the day is treating you well.
Working with people is both
rewarding and challenging at the same time. When there is a job to do
sometimes we wish our team would just "get it done!". As
leaders we always have to be aware of what our team is thinking and how they may
be feeling. It is our job to keep them focused, on point and motivated
all at the same time. When we are under pressure and have goals to meet,
sometimes we forget that a big part of our leadership is keeping everyone
engaged. Stay in tune with your team and don't fall into the traps listed
below.
1. Don't Say Thank You
Everyone wants to be appreciated.
A simple Thank You goes a long way. Sometimes you have to say
thank you for what you may feel is a given expectation......like doing their
job!! Praise the behavior you want and appreciate the efforts of
others.
2. Why Lead By Example?
You can't expect others to do what
you aren't willing to do. People will do their jobs but if they think
their leader isn't willing to roll up their sleeves too, sooner or later those
people will leave you. Simple things like picking up trash off the floor
to working on the front lines, team members need to know you practice what you
preach. Be the example and lead the change.
3. Manage Based on Title....Don't
Lead or Inspire
Leaders don't manage people, they
manage systems. Leaders inspire people. When you manage people
because you have the title to do so will not create commitment. You
create a team of individuals who follow you because your title deems so.
Those people will jump ship as soon as someone or something new and shiny
comes along. When you "inspire" others because of your
leadership you create commitment. People will do what you ask when you
ask because of you make them feel. The follow you into the war-zone
because you help them be better.
As the leader of your team, your
department, your region or your company, it is your responsibility to motivate
and keep your team motivated. Their success depends on you and your
success depends on them.
