The most common challenges I have experienced have been keeping certain members focused on the teams mission / tasks at hand. As well as getting certain members to take ownership of the tasks they either were assigned or volunteered for.
In being a strong leader it seems to me that keeping team members focused on the team objective. What are your suggestions in keeping focused in order to keep the team focused?
Thanks,
Josh
Hi Wendi,
Great comments. As a leader you may also have to change your communication style with the same individual, depending on where he or she is within the employee life-cycle.
You will have to DIRECT a new team member or an established team member involved in a new task. You then modify your style and begin to COACH as the team member becomes more comfortable with the task.
Once the team member becomes more established you will provide SUPPORT when needed and, eventually, you will DELEGATE the full task to your peak performers or "A" players.
Having a group of people that have different communication styles and varying levels of responsibility can be challenging. As a leader you must set expectations on level of participation, what should be communicated and when, as well as openly discussing the input needed from each member. With expectations clearly outlined, everyone will know what to expect. The leader must also ensure that the team doesn't loose sight of these differences as the project progresses.
Hi Breandan,
Sorry for the delay in response, but I am now up and running. Excellent points. You are right on.
A strong leader, through clear, concise and consistent communication, will make sure the team understands the "why" as well as the "where." Once the team knows where they are going and why they are going there, the leader then must be decisive and continue to remind the team of the goal or objective, while constantly painting a vision for the team.
Once the objective is clear, then open and consistent communication with each team member is critical, as you have pointed out.
It is also critical that every team member is on board and believes in the objective.
