Improving Team Performance
I think getting everybody on the same page is important. Congratulate each on the positive things and give constructive criticism and ideas to help improve their performance.
Glenn,
Agreed...but how are you going to get them on the same page?
Ron Obstfeld
I think getting everybody on the same page is important. Congratulate each on the positive things and give constructive criticism and ideas to help improve their performance.
As a team leader, what corrective measures would you take to improve team performance? How would you communicate these measures to your team members?
Hermie,
Absolutely! A manager’s primary focus is to extol the vision in such a way that everybody can buy-in to it. If done correctly, the team members will be able to have their personal interests in the project fulfilled as well.
Dr. Jamie Morley
Hermie,
You are exactly correct! However, not everybody is comfortable with conflict. It takes a strong manager to be able to allow conflict in a way that does not create hurt feelings or hostility.
Dr. Jamie Morley
Identify the common goal/objective of the team is the key. Personal interests should be set aside so as all members can focus on one ultimate objective.
Conflict is a healthy ingredient in improving team performance. Not all team members should agree to whatever is being discussed at the table. Diversity of ideas will promote better results.
Sharon,
Good points! Another important aspect to remember is to remind your team that the situation is temporary. Nobody wants to feel that they are being taken advantage of, and yet most good team members will go the extra mile to help out during unusual situations – like you are short-staffed or have a tight deadline. As long as you communicate that their efforts are appreciated and that a plan is in place to ensure that they are not overworked forever, you are likely to have team members that are willing to do what is needed.
Dr. Jamie Morley
Sharon,
You make several good points Sharon. Communication is essential to the functioning of a team. Often times a leader will get so busy implementing the team’s ideas that he or she does not communicate to the team which ideas were accepted and which ones were not. Having regular meetings and taking good minutes is an easy way to keep everybody in the know!
You also touch on the importance of empowerment. Leaders have different authority levels and sometimes may not be empowered to empower their team to the degree that they would like. In that case, praise and communication go a long way in keep the team successful and satisfied.
Dr. Jamie Morley
When team performance is ongoing,sometimes team members just need a break. As a team leader I take responsibility for the morale of my team. Members need to feel valued with realistic expectations placed upon them. I find it most difficult to improve team performance when team members are overworked or have these unrealistic expectations placed upon them. I feel my job is to keep the team functioning through realistic and achievable goals.
As a team leader I would encourage the team to keep seeking best practices and improvement. It is important to maintain control, but I do want my team to be empowered to implement the agreed upon strategies. Sometimes the hardest task in team leadership is buy in of the team when they do not have a say in the decision. I try to inform the team of the reasons for the decisions and discuss with them the anticipated outcomes and get their feedback on how to implement a positive response to changes.
Michael,
Good insights, gentlemen! Conflict is very difficult for some people to deal with and there are cultural differences in the way that conflict is perceived. As a manager, it takes lots of time and one-on-one coaching to be able to detect how your team will respond. Better to take the time, then to risk losing the respect of the team!
Dr. Jamie Morley
Hi Greg,
We have 8 departments with 8 teams, the teams with the strongest leaders have the strongest departments. You state "Many leaders avoid or push off conflict and problems" and I couldn't agree with you more.
Team members have to have a strong team leader. If the team leader looses the respect of the team members there is no team.
Nicole,
That is a good strategy. Another idea is to have a set agenda that includes a roundtable section. During that period, everybody is required to make a comment, suggestion or ask a question. By doing that you are assured that every person gets some “floor†time. This also encourages listening and pre-meeting preparation, which are good skills for managers to develop in their staff.
Dr. Jamie Morley
I find that approaching my team with a positive outlook and a well organized game plan helps to get everyone on board for the task that needs to be completed. By ensuring that all team members received a meeting agenda prior to the meeting also helps with everyone bringing valuable insite to the situation.
Sharda,
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
As a team leader I would improve team performance by establishing rules. Having meetings that would be mandatory so that each member would be held accountable for participation, keep an open floor discussion for each member which is important for team members to express there concerns, and most of all communication is very important.
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
I would focus my attention on creating a positive atmosphere. Improving the atmosphere would increase and improve the morale of the team. As the leader, I set the example and tone for my team. I lead not by what I say and do but also by what I allow. It is up to me to make it clear to all team members that everyone needs to be treated with dignity and respect with no exceptions. One way of communicating this is through praise and positive feedback.
Angel Cole
