Behind every successful business is a dedicated team. But when managing the daily struggle of developing a business it can be easy for organizations to inadvertently overlook the needs of the team.
For any business leader, it’s critical to balance going after organizational targets with the effective development of team members. By working to empower your team, you cultivate a positive work environment that helps employees achieve their best work.
However, there are some important things organizations should keep in mind when it comes to leading their teams successfully.
Communicate More Effectively
It might seem obvious that effective communication is key to developing a great team; however, many leaders often struggle with this business necessity.
This doesn’t mean that most companies don’t have meetings or share information through email. Some even have regular team huddles and company-wide updates that they share. Where many organizations fall short is recognizing how the modern expectations of transparency and inclusion differ from traditional communication styles.
Considering this new business landscape, where so many organizations have adopted remote working, effective communication has never been more important. This involves sharing information transparently, inviting feedback and opinions, and actively listening to your team members. This not only builds trust but also establishes a more cohesive culture where employees feel valued and heard.
Encourage Better Decision Making
For any business leader to succeed, it’s essential to trust their teams to operate independently. Encouraging your team members includes equipping them to make decisions confidently without having to get your input at every turn.
This kind of trust-building doesn’t happen immediately – it takes ongoing commitment and encouragement. Leaders who convey their goals clearly, assign tasks more liberally, and stay accessible for advice and direction are best positioned to motivate their teams toward making smarter business decisions. This, in turn, lets leaders focus on broader strategies rather than being tied down to less critical tasks.
Focus On Building a Diverse Team
Many times, companies may find themselves in a repetitive mindset, with a majority of the staff having similar backgrounds and experiences. However, studies have repeatedly highlighted the advantages of maintaining diverse teams. They offer fresh viewpoints and more relevant insights.
While diversifying your team is important, ensuring everyone feels valued and included is equally significant. This type of inclusivity not only helps with employee loyalty but also shows a progressive organizational culture.
Diversity goes beyond just ethnicity or gender. It involves a combination of varied life experiences, educational backgrounds, and ways of thinking. Promote open dialogue and appreciate differing opinions to build a team that is truly unique and innovative.
Make Accountability Something Everyone Shares
A widespread notion in many workplaces is that only the leaders and managers are accountable. Many people also think of accountability as something used to pin the blame when things go wrong. This perception, however, can become toxic and result in an unhealthy work atmosphere.
In reality, accountability should be a collective effort, embraced by everyone, irrespective of their role or rank. Consider how the real estate industry works for instance. While the project manager oversees the big picture, every person, be it contractors, designers, or suppliers, has their own crucial part to play in the project’s success. This same thinking should be instilled in other work environments as well.
While there might be a central person in charge of company projects, each team member should recognize and own up to their individual roles. This type of management approach not only equally divides tasks among employees but also helps to create a collective sense of pride and responsibility in the project’s outcome.
Set Clear Company Expectations
As a company grows and teams expand, there is often a period where individual expectations can become unclear for certain employees. This can be exacerbated when organizations have a remote working culture, which has become much more common in recent years.
To avoid any confusion, it is crucial that companies set clear expectations for employees and their teams. This includes defining roles and responsibilities, deadlines, and communication protocols. When all team members understand their roles and expectations, it creates a more unified group of employees.
One way that leaders can help to establish clear expectations is by placing more value on one-on-one meetings. These regular check-ins allow for open communication between managers and employees, ensuring that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and any updates or changes within the company.
Embrace New Changes
Every company, at one time or another, will face the need to adjust to changing circumstances. This might be due to market shifts, technological improvements, or broader industry changes. Being agile and open to change is critical to maintain a competitive edge.
However, change can be unsettling. Most individuals prefer the familiarity of established routines. This is where effective leadership becomes invaluable.
Strong leaders recognize the importance of change for long-term business viability. They take the initiative to explain the reasons for the transformation and its advantages for the organization. They also inspire their teams by leading by example and embracing the change themselves.
Never Neglect Team Acknowledgement
As companies expand, their attention frequently gravitates toward aspects that directly influence revenue growth. While profits and expansion are undeniably important, it’s equally crucial to recognize and applaud the dedication of your team members.
Expressing gratitude and appreciation towards staff doesn’t just elevate their spirits, but also lays the foundation for a more positive company culture. This can be as simple as recognizing individual achievements publicly or hosting team-building activities to show gratitude for everyone’s efforts.
While not all businesses may have the resources to provide large bonuses or perks, a simple “thank you” or a handwritten note can go a long way in making employees feel valued and appreciated.
Use Effective Leadership to Help Improve Business Growth
Great leadership isn’t usually something you’re just born with – it takes time, effort, and constant learning to become an effective leader. However, by prioritizing and implementing the strategies above, you can help improve success for both your teams and the organization.
Author Information
Author Name: Dalip Jaggi
Author Bio:
Entrepreneur, technologist, and passionate business leader sum up the core of Dalip Jaggi, co-founder of Revive Real Estate, a PropTech company with a goal to democratize house flipping. Since its 2020-inception, Revive has since become the smartest solution for homeowners to maximize their home’s sales value across the nation.
In today’s evolving business landscape, where remote work and diverse team dynamics are becoming the norm, it’s crucial for leaders to recognize and address the needs of their team members effectively. Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) can be a game-changer in this context. It helps identify “quiet contributors” who are impactful yet may not be vocal, a key aspect in understanding team dynamics, especially in remote work environments. ONA also aids in improving decision-making by revealing who employees turn to for advice or view as key contributors, ensuring that every team member’s contribution is acknowledged and valued.