Have you experienced occasions where members of your leadership team express discontentment regarding taking time off? It is possible that the individuals are not expressing dissatisfaction with the holiday itself, but rather with the disarray they encounter upon their return. It is conceivable for all individuals to envision the scenario in question. The individual in question has departed, leaving behind what they perceive to be a very efficient system. Each task and project has been meticulously organized and delegated to the appropriate team member. However, in the current scenario, you find yourself situated on the shoreline, where you have failed to attend to various forms of communication such as missed phone calls, text messages, and emails. Moreover, when returning to the workplace, it becomes apparent that no progress has been made. That aspect is inherent to assuming a leadership role, correct? Incorrect. It is advisable to have in mind the following recommendations when formulating your leadership strategies.
Enhance communication proficiency beyond the mere act of delegating.
Babysitters are not necessary for adults. Individuals have the capacity to manage their own lives independently, without necessitating constant guidance or assistance. A similar observation can be made regarding those employed within a corporate setting. Providing excessive guidance to team members can potentially result in heightened levels of confusion and increased dependence on your regular instructions. Achieving a harmonious equilibrium between establishing explicit expectations and avoiding excessive micromanagement. When engaging in delegation, it is imperative to provide precise instructions on deadlines and the sequential actions required for projects that are more intricate in nature. If a someone is employed for a specific task, it is expected that they possess the capability to execute it with limited oversight.
The utilization of a cake analogy is a preferred method for illustrating the distinction between effective and ineffective communication. One may approach any anyone to request a cake, and it is likely that they would be able to fulfill this request. However, it is unreasonable to express dissatisfaction when the cake received does not meet one’s expectations. Individuals do not possess the ability to perceive the thoughts or intentions of another without explicit communication. In order to ensure the proper execution of a cake, it is imperative to establish the following factors:
What is the required number of individuals that the cake must be able to accommodate? What constitutes the project deliverables?
What is the deadline for completing the cake? Could you please provide information regarding the project timeline?
What flavor would be most suitable for the cake? Is it necessary for the initiative to target a certain audience?
What is the nature of the event or circumstance being referred to? Is decoration necessary for it? Is it feasible to undertake this project individually, or is it necessary to assemble a team or include other departments?
The list has the potential for indefinite expansion, although it is likely that you comprehend the concept. Provided that explicit instructions are provided, one can have confidence that the cake will be prepared, prepared with skill, and prepared according to the desired specifications and anticipated standards.
It is advisable to establish a routine for conducting periodic check-ins with your team.
When discussing the concept of team check-ins, it is important to note that the intention is not limited to the act of delivering a weekly memo. I am referring to a departmental meeting where participants engage in unproductive discussions on tasks that were or were not accomplished. A scheduled check-in refers to a designated period of time allocated for individuals and their team members to convene separately, with the purpose of discussing expectations, resolving problems, or gauging their overall work-related sentiments. This is not an opportune moment to criticize employees who are not meeting expectations; rather, it is an opportunity for you to establish a connection with them and provide them with the necessary support and motivation to achieve the overarching objective. In the event that individuals have been disoriented regarding their tasks and the manner in which their efforts contribute to the collective objectives of the team, this presents a favorable occasion to engage in inquiry and ascertain the means by which one can provide assistance.
As a leader, it is imperative to recognize that your team members do not just rely on you for direction in accomplishing routine assignments or significant undertakings. The individual is not there to distribute assignments on a daily basis. The primary objective is to coordinate and ensure the integration of all components in order to achieve a comprehensive outcome. The act of communicating the overarching vision to one’s team and fostering a collaborative approach towards achieving that objective not only cultivates trust in one’s leadership abilities, but also instills a sense of responsibility and ownership among all team members for their respective tasks. It is imperative to consistently engage in actions that serve to empower one’s team.
Continuously cultivate and modify your communication style in order to enhance its effectiveness and relevance.
Business & Beyond is dedicated to providing assistance to business owners and executives in discovering their unique voice and cultivating high-performing teams. Even if one has demonstrated excellent leadership over an extended period, it is important to acknowledge that the workforce will persistently evolve. Notably, individuals within the workforce will actively seek novel work situations to establish their professional identities. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further guidance and information regarding the enhancement of your leadership and communication abilities.
