Jamie Morley

Jamie Morley

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James, Establishing meeting norms is a good strategy to keep your team in line while still encouraging their participation. If the protocol states that everybody can write or voice one challenge/opportunity and one success, then it is hard for naysayers to monopolize the situation. Determine the order of the meetings and set time limits for everybody to state their position, as well as time limits for discussion on each item. This lets everybody know what to expect. Consistency makes team members more comfortable. Dr. Jamie Morley

Tammy , You raise a good point. Turnover is a momentum killer. As a manager, you need to be diligent about listening to your employees. Over 80% of employees leave a company because of their manager. Even if you can’t give raises, or promotions, or bonuses, most employees just need to feel as though they are part of a greater mission and they need to feel respected and heard. You have a huge impact on whether or not your employees feel valued. Unfortunately, we can’t always control turnover. If and when an employee does leave, make sure to address it… >>>

Discussion Comment
James, Defining roles is a good strategy. In addition to defining the role, you should also outline what success looks like in that role. So often, people get shuffled around without know why. Communicating expectations at the time the assignments are given is crucial for success. At each meeting, have the team members bring a list of the assignments, their progress towards the goals, and any stumbling blocks that you, as the manager, can help move. Your job is to communicate the path to success and help your employees achieve it. Dr. Jamie Morley
Discussion Comment
Dr. Cheryl, You make several good points. Teams are more likely engaged when they have a vested interest in an assignment or outcome. Sharing responsibilities and then managing each member to success will encourage each team member to do their best. A strong manager will keep all team members informed about the progress, provide realistic due dates and assignments based on people’s aptitudes, and coach and praise as appropriate. Dr. Jamie Morley
Angel, You are exactly correct! One of a manager’s primary responsibilities is to bring out the best in their team members by encouraging open dialog and respecting diversity. As you mentioned, praise and acknowledgement is a great way to encourage a positive atmosphere. Another practical solution is establishing meeting norms so that everybody knows what to expect and understands that they will have the opportunity to have their opinions heard. Consistency makes team members more comfortable. Dr. Jamie Morley
Discussion Comment
Paula, Wonderful! Best of luck to you. Dr. Jamie Morley
Discussion Comment
Paula, Drawing on past experiences is important. Especially for young managers, leading by example is crucial to earning respect of the more experienced employees. There is one piece of advice I always give to young managers. Don’t be afraid to ask your experienced team members for guidance. A manager does not need to know everything. Sometimes, new managers feel that asking their employees questions makes them look weak. In reality, it shows that you are comfortable in your role and have respect for all opinions. Dr. Jamie Morley
Kathryn, You are right! Allowing a freeform of ideas in a safe environment enables everybody to be creative. A good manager or team leader needs to be able to help channel or compartmentalize great ideas into actionable ones – since that is the goal of collaborating on projects. If you were a manager and you had a team of motivated folks who all wanted their ideas to be utilized, how would you prioritize them without squashing their spirits? Dr. Jamie Morley

Jeff, I like your definition. An important aspect of collaboration is the willingness to work together. If people do not want to come together to reach consensus or a goal, it is not true collaboration. The essential skills you mention, like having an open mind, go a long way in encouraging people to “want to” collaborate. I would also add negotiation as a skill that is beneficial when collaborating. Knowing how to give and take during a project is very helpful. There is a book titled You can Negotiate Anything that is an easy read and has some good practical… >>>

Discussion Comment
Scott, You are correct, William! Encouragement is essential. Too often, team leaders do not have the authority to give awards, bonuses, or monetary incentives, so praise is a great way to keep your team motivated. Many team members also appreciate being given additional assignments or responsibility. This doesn’t motivate everybody, so the leader should know their team before determining if a stretch assignment is a motivator. Dr. Jamie Morley

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