Leadership is no piece of cake. It goes far beyond just giving orders and expecting great results. Getting a team to deliver their best revolves more around the carrot than the stick. Your leadership approach significantly influences your team’s performance and engagement levels. Here are some super practical, relatable ways to keep your team inspired and motivated.
1. Be a Promise Keeper
If you promise something, make sure you deliver. Pay raises, improved working conditions, anything!!! If you have limitations that could hinder your promise, try not to make it in the first place. No one likes a person who fails to keep their word.
2. Don’t Be Grumpy
No one likes working with a grumpy boss. Do not bully your team members. Trust them and allow them to grow their judgment and skill sets. Remember, when your team shines, you shine too.
3. Break Some Rules
Rules keep everything organized yes, but do not be too strict about them. Allow some space for flexibility. Encourage your team to challenge the status quo because, old ways won’t open new doors.
4. Keep them on Their Toes
It is easy for teams to fall into a routine and become complacent. To prevent that, set fresh challenges for them, stimulating growth, and learning.
5. Don’t Settle for Average
Do not allow mediocrity to creep into your team. Building a high-performing team means not everybody will be able to keep up, and that’s fine. Focus on setting up goals that challenge your team to shine.
6. Get Inside Their Heads
Knowing the personal goals, values, and aspirations of your team members is essential. This knowledge will help you understand what drives them, which is key to keeping them motivated. It’s okay to socialize with your team to understand them better. Ignore those gurus who tell you otherwise.
7. Have Some Fun
Take some time out from work to enjoy and celebrate victories, birthdays, or anything in general. Have fun. Share a laugh. This will strengthen the bond among your team members, which is crucial for a healthy working relationship.
8. Challenge Their Thinking
One of the most effective ways to improve team performance and set realistic goals is questioning. Allow your team to ponder solutions and collaboratively decide their way of working.
9. Encourage Creativity
Creativity gets people excited. Allow your team to solve problems creatively. However, make sure these creative solutions are applied to actual, real-world problems. Encourage them to see possibilities rather than limitations.
In a nutshell, leadership is about sharing a clear vision and setting the right direction for your team. It’s not about commanding them to follow you, but about inviting them to join you in a rewarding journey. So, be an awesome leader and inspire your team to greatness!
