HOW TO BLAST OFF TO SUCCESS AS A DYNAMIC LEADER!
The #1 reason for your company's success or failure is
your people! That is, your staff of receptionists,
administrative assistant, supervisors, managers, etc. And
who is responsible for their training and professionalism?
The answer is you, the owner or manager!
Have you ever asked yourself how you could improve your management skills so that your team is really motivated? Understanding group dynamics and exploring different personalities is a great place to start in becoming the best "coach" in your organization.
An exciting exercise I use in my Leadership Workshop is to ask the participants to think of ways to guarantee failure as a leader. Some typical responses are:
Do you recognize, or have you experienced any of these "leadership busters"? Let's move on to the five strategies that will help you overcome them and get your attention focused on magnificent management.
1. Listen, really listen, to your team. Ask questions like "What would you do if you were the owner of this company?" Many managers have told me that they learned a lot about themselves after discussing this topic with staff. No matter how busy you may be, find the time to allow your staff to share their concerns. Encourage your team to come to you when there is a problem. And ask them to also have a solution in mind.
2. Empower capable professionals to make decisions when the owner or manager is not present. This gives a feeling of confidence to the staff and creates a professional impression to the client also. Businesses that are successful know the potential of an empowered team. You will see a group of people brought together with the same objectives who have the authority to make things happen. The five P's of empowerment are:
- Permission...to make decisions and to take risks!
Protection...even if they make a mistake, as long as they learn from the failure.
Purpose...know the company goals, and answers to the typical problems that arise in your business.
Proficiency...it's up to management to train the staff to know the difference between complacency and excellence.
Payoff...empowered teams know that their work will be appreciated and recognized.
It is not easy for some managers to give up power to others. Then I ask, if you really want to have a staff that feels passionate about their job, what is keeping you from setting the right tone?
3. Make sure you schedule regular staff meetings. No matter how busy you are, you can't afford not to find the time. Have an agenda and be sure to add some fun. Employees need a safe place to bring up problems at work and know that complaints will not only be listened to, but also dealt with in a professional and non-threatening manner. Ask people to think of solutions before they start complaining. We have a sign in our office that reads, "No whining allowed!" This is a great reminder to keep us on track.
4. Managers are coaches, and are responsible for the morale and work environment to be positive and upbeat. I'm asked constantly, "How can I motivate my people?" Begin by showing appreciation to them and reward them at the appropriate time, and not necessarily with money. Write them thank you notes, send them balloons on their birthday, and give out awards of appreciation or humorous gifts. It doesn't matter how, as much as the fact that you do recognize and appreciate your staff. Tell them immediately when they do something to help you out, or deal with a client in a professional way, try a new technique or attend a workshop. Employees tell me that the one thing they want most is recognition, the idea of feeling appreciated by management. When managers realize this, they will then have the control and the power to make their company an exciting and dynamic place to be.
5. Constructive feedback is a positive strategy. You may be thinking right now that all this sounds great, but what can I do when there is a real problem? Deal with it in the most constructive way possible. I hear many horror stories from employees that managers criticized them in front of clients. The manager must take the employee aside and say, "If this problem happens again, what would you do differently?" They will probably be better able to handle the situation in a neutral zone. Listen to their comments, and add a few from your experiences. Let your staff know immediately if there is an attitude problem. Negativity is too dangerous to ignore, and can be contagious. You may be the only person who ever confronted them. I feel great passion about this strategy. The only way we can grow and reach our full potential is to receive constructive feedback. You are a leader, and leaders of excellence know the importance of honest and constructive feedback.
These five strategies are just the tip of the iceberg on how to blast off to be a successful leader. When you begin using these tips daily you will be amazed at the improvement. It will change your business into one that is more positive, fun, challenging and profitable. Start listening to the hidden messages both in the back room and at your meetings. Start giving out more compliments. Even if you thought you were great at this, do more. Hire only the best, and then empower your staff of professionals. The trust will be there, on your side and theirs! Let your staff know that constructive feedback is an important part of growth. You are doing them and your company a big favor to "look for trouble". When they offer solutions to the problems you will appreciate their candor and openness.
The best never rest, they only get better. The power of your success lies in how you motivate your team. I encourage all of you to leave your comfort zone, take risks, learn and grow. Then be prepared to celebrate your victories each and every day!
Copyright © Joyce Weiss.
Joyce Weiss, P.O. Box 250163, West Bloomfield, MI 48325-0163
1-800-713-1926, http://www.joyceweiss.com, joyce@joyceweiss.com
