Eight Steps to a Better Team
Most employees prefer a participatory manager that takes responsibility for
department results, while holding employees accountable for individual
performance. Reliance on teamwork to meet human needs is part of day-to-day
activities. Put the following steps into place and you'll have a successful
team:
- Relate to the members of your team. As the leader, you set the tone and
pace of the group. Your relationships with the group and with the
individuals in the group form the foundation on which the team is built.
Remember: To know them is to lead them.
- Provide challenge. Your attitude toward tasks, projects, and assignments
is key to employee perception of work. If you view meeting team objectives
as a challenge versus drudgery, your staff will view objectives in a
positive way also.
- Give support. Make sure your attitude, your verbal and non-verbal
messages convey the message to your employees that they are worthwhile
individuals. Provide the necessary tools to complete the task and give
appropriate training and coaching, serving as mentor if required. Let your
employees know you think they can do the job.
- Keep the lines of communication open. Establish an environment where
employees feel free to come to you with ideas, comments, questions and
problems.
- Maintain awareness and honesty. Know what's going on and face problems
straight on. Never act as though you are unaware of problems-you'll damage
your credibility.
- Give individual attention. Recognize each employee's uniqueness by really
listening to what they have to say.
- Encourage participation. Enlist participation in problem solving, setting
objectives, planning, decision-making, directing, organizing, evaluating,
and implementing. This will make your team stronger and you will shine as a
manager.
- Set an example. It is up to you to set the pace, the standards, as well
as the example of desirable behavior and performance.
-- From "Motivation and Recognition of Consumer Affairs Employees," which
can be purchased through the SOCAP International Resource Center Bookstore.
