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One of the keys to having a productive team is to create a work culture that possesses a clear vision; one built on strong values and demonstrates that you, the leader, genuinely care. Let’s talk about the “caring” part. To show your team that you care for them demands that you focus on “what makes them tick” as people, both individually and collectively. After all, they are people who are on your team.
Try these 5 simple actions for starters:
1. Structure – People want to know not only what to do, but what’s expected of them and how desired performance is measured. They want to know how to do their job and, most importantly, why they do it and how they fit into the total picture of your company’s organization. All of this comprises the structure you need to provide.
2. Momentum – Ever notice how excited and “on board” everyone is when a new project is launched? Everyone is committed 100%. Right? Then, some obstacles or problems are encountered; a deadline is missed or delayed. What happens next? Enthusiasm and commitment tapers off, people on the project start to get “distracted.” As the leader, you need to be aware of this dynamic and periodically “check the pulse” of the project and the team members to make sure everyone stays focused on the task at hand and the desired result.
3. Communicate and Listen – Get in the habit of sharing everything that’s going on that affects your team, with your team! Whether it’s good or bad news, share it. Your team can handle it! What they can’t handle is misinformation, half-truths or, worse yet, “spin” to make them feel good. Along with sharing information, get into the habit of soliciting their input and, if it makes sense, listen to it.
Related: Four Key Leadership Traits to Drive Business Growth
4. Goals – Give them goals and help them set them. Goal setting will give your team “purpose.” In addition, the goals are the glue that holds your company’s vision together and unites your team to keep moving forward.
5. Be the example – Everybody talks about leadership by example. Unfortunately, some (what I call) “imitation leaders” give it lip service. They talk about it, use the right buzzwords, but do not understand the essence of “leadership by example.” If you want to be an effective leader, you must constantly act in a way that supports your values and the vision you have created for your company.
So there you have it: 5 simple, yet critically important actions you can take to nurture the culture of your organization and boost your team’s productivity. There is no downside to you or your company from taking these actions.