We have all heard how vital it is for leaders to develop a strong vision, but what happens after creating the vision is equally important. After all, who will implement the vision? Your team members of course! A key trait for leaders is to be a role model for teamwork and an effective leader spends the majority of their time making the Team Work Connection.
As a leader you are responsible for creating a cohesive, productive team by making several Team Work Connections. First you need to connect with every team member, then you need to connect every team member with each other, and finally as the leader, you must connect the team with the organization’s vision including the goals and objectives to achieve the vision.
Here are a few tips for leaders to make the Team Work Connection:
- Connect with Team Members – All members of a team start out as individuals so it is critical to understand each team member’s strengths, weaknesses, motivations and personal goals and preferences. Develop a list of “getting to know you” type questions and meet with each team member to ask questions such as: What do you like/dislike about the work you do? What do you like about the work environment and what would you change? What are your future goals and what additional training would you like? Etc.
- Connect Team Members with Each Other – A successful leader supplies training and opportunities for their team members to work cohesively. A degree of trust is critical for team success and can be achieved by providing training in: appreciating differences, job responsibilities of fellow teammates, and how to engage in constructive conflict. Leaders will know that the training was successful when team interaction is productive and respectful.
- Connect Team Members with the Organization – Everyone member of the team should know how the results of their job and how their team contributes to the organization. Many leaders go beyond sharing the vision, mission and goals of the organization to also educate their team members on customers, competitors and how the company makes a profit.
A good leader creates a dynamic and bold vision for their team…a great leader takes it a step further by making the Team Work Connection.
Are you interested in learning more about team interaction, go to http://managementskillsinc.com/products/five-behaviors/ or Contact Deborah.Avrin@ManagementSkillsInc.com.