Jamie Morley

Jamie Morley

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Steven, You are correct in that the dynamic across generations can be strained, especially when the team is working on high profile projects that results in promotions or other rewards. One idea would be to create sub-teams that you assign, making sure that you separate the generational clichés. Learning to cope with and trust one or two people to start with is easier than getting along with the entire team. If that doesn’t work, perhaps you could have your HR department set up a training related to age bias and tolerance. Hope that helps. Jamie
Theresa, You make a good point. I have seen some organizations meet with the group collectively to address issues that are leading to lack of productivity. Others meet privately with the team members that are not contributing effectively. Both are valid methods. What have you seen work? Jamie

Dave, You are correct that it is difficult to make a team's priority the top priority when people are worn thin with other responsibilities. One suggestion is to block time on your calendar and put your DND button on your phone for 30 minutes, a few times a week. It is much more daunting to tell yourself that you need to work on the project for "several hours" because often times, we don't have several hours to give. Scheduling yourself for shorter sessions will help make the team's goal a priority and management. Give it a try and let me… >>>

Alma, You make excellent points. One of your most impactful insights is to address performance issues immediately. This is so true! Other team members get deflated when they see poor performers not being held accountable. Succession planning is also important. What types of strategies have you seen work in regards to preparing for the succession of a team member? Jamie
Discussion Comment
Crystal, You make some great suggestions! Fostering team identity is one of the best ways to build camaraderie and get everybody focused towards a common goal. Newcomers especially appreciate being immersed in not only the team identity but the organizational culture as well. Nicely done. Jamie
Jay, You make a good point. Constructively framing differences of opinion so that the team hears the positive and negative experiences of an approach are the role of a good team leader. Then, like a jury, a team should weigh the pros and cons of an idea in light of the application and then make a decision. Thanks for your comment. Jamie

Thomas, My definition of "passion" for a job is a bit different that yours. I agree that unbridled emotion without a rational basis is not appropriate on the job, nor are unchecked emotions. To me, passion for the job means that the employee puts the needs of the customers ahead of their own. Sometimes this takes the form of going the extra mile, putting in extra time, or giving superior customer service. On occasion, an employee may not like the boss, or a co-worker, or some company policies, but if he or she has passion for what he or she… >>>

Thomas, I love the book "Servant Leadership." I agree with that approach as well. A good leader is the first one to pick up a broom or a box of donuts and the last to leave when there is a critical project due. Do you feel that managers can be trained to be servant leaders? I'm interested to hear your perspective. Thanks, Jamie
Thomas, You are absolutely correct! In addition to accountability, I would add "consistency" as also crucial to improving team performance. Holding only some people accountable and not others, or not holding people accountable on a consistent basis, will result in performance suffering. I also agree with your former supervisor. I'll take an employee with passion about what he or she does any day over somebody with just knowledge and no commitment. Nicely stated. Thanks, Jamie
Hi Thomas, You are correct that having team members that only think about how things have been done before or how they feel is best can definitely be a challenge! One way to redirect team members that do that is to host a brainstorming session where no ideas are out of line and no idea can be criticized. Sometimes having a meeting of this type away from the office stimulates creativity and out of the box thinking. What other strategies have you seen work? Jamie

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