M-Guide
Issue: October 2006
My Team is Not Performing: Power Failure
Let’s say you have assembled a great team for an upcoming project…
You have spent time and money selecting members based on their experience, personalities, and
skills pertaining to the job at hand. You have the talent to get the job done. There is no doubt that
everyone on the team is able to make a solid contribution.
Except…very little seems to be getting accomplished. Communication is minimal, effort seems
meager, and strategy sessions are like pulling teeth. In fact, no one even wants to look you in the
eye.
You, as the leader, are very perplexed. These are the very same people who, last quarter, put
together and executed a very impressive marketing plan. Their project director gave them her
highest recommendation. So what’s so different about this project? Maybe they are tired because
they worked so hard last quarter? Maybe they are sick of each other? Maybe they don’t like you?
The main thing that’s changed for this high performing team is their leader.
Leadership is often necessary for teamwork, but can easily become a threat to team
motivation and success if not handled well.
When you are working within a team environment, the leader takes on more of a coaching role.
Often new or inexperienced team leaders try to take charge or take on a very strong and powerful
role.
Those who overpower their teams can create unnecessary fear, interpersonal conflicts,
and an overall feeling in the team that the contributions of individual members do not
matter. This can lead to a lack of productivity, low moral, personal conflict, and a waste of
time and money.
Begin to lead and manage successful teams by using the tips listed below and reap all the benefits
that high performing teams have to offer.
Team Leadership Skills and Tips
Leading and managing the collective effort of high performance teams is not easy. It
begins with a strategy plan for a coaching partnership, consistent communication,
feedback, empowerment, and the appropriate culture.
Begin To Transform Your Business for More Life
A fully functioning life and business are possible!
One way to begin this process is to consider your peak experiences.
As noted by renowned psychologist, Abraham Maslow, peak experiences make us feel as
if we have a sense of purpose. These are peak moments when we are at our best.
As an example, two of mine are writing, and coaching. When I participate in either of these
activities, I do not notice time passing and feel as if I am in a state of flow and happiness.
Start identifying your peak experiences. As you become more aware of them, the more
clear the route to building your business around your life will become.
At first these types of experiences may not seem as if they could be directly related to your
business. For instance, some peak moments could be as simple as appreciating a great sunset.
For some, this would relate to travel and spending time outdoors. Another example would be when
time spent with certain people, family and loved ones aside, leaves you feeling refreshed and
rejuvenated. Pay attention to their personalities, and what you happen to learn from them. This may
have implications for the future of your business or profession.
How To Recognize Peak Moments:
How To Get Started:
Cheers!
Diana
Issue: October 2006
My Team is Not Performing: Power Failure
Let’s say you have assembled a great team for an upcoming project…
You have spent time and money selecting members based on their experience, personalities, and
skills pertaining to the job at hand. You have the talent to get the job done. There is no doubt that
everyone on the team is able to make a solid contribution.
Except…very little seems to be getting accomplished. Communication is minimal, effort seems
meager, and strategy sessions are like pulling teeth. In fact, no one even wants to look you in the
eye.
You, as the leader, are very perplexed. These are the very same people who, last quarter, put
together and executed a very impressive marketing plan. Their project director gave them her
highest recommendation. So what’s so different about this project? Maybe they are tired because
they worked so hard last quarter? Maybe they are sick of each other? Maybe they don’t like you?
The main thing that’s changed for this high performing team is their leader.
Leadership is often necessary for teamwork, but can easily become a threat to team
motivation and success if not handled well.
When you are working within a team environment, the leader takes on more of a coaching role.
Often new or inexperienced team leaders try to take charge or take on a very strong and powerful
role.
Those who overpower their teams can create unnecessary fear, interpersonal conflicts,
and an overall feeling in the team that the contributions of individual members do not
matter. This can lead to a lack of productivity, low moral, personal conflict, and a waste of
time and money.
Begin to lead and manage successful teams by using the tips listed below and reap all the benefits
that high performing teams have to offer.
Team Leadership Skills and Tips
- Assess whether or not a team leader is even needed before one is assigned.
- Let the team work out planning or strategy details together. Participate but don’t take over.
- Keep in mind, the one who speaks the most in team meetings is perceived as the leader. All
members should have the opportunity to participate. Rotate the leadership of the meeting, or
appoint a different member to facilitate the discussion so that all relevant information is
shared.
- When training is needed, have the team train together. Train along side them to build rapport.
- When appropriate, be unavailable for a key meeting or presentation. This lets the team know
you trust them, and builds competencies.
- Consistently ask the team for feedback on how they think the project is going. If they are not
forthcoming, design an anonymous feedback form and review the input together. You may
also want to build an open door policy into the team's culture.
Leading and managing the collective effort of high performance teams is not easy. It
begins with a strategy plan for a coaching partnership, consistent communication,
feedback, empowerment, and the appropriate culture.
Begin To Transform Your Business for More Life
A fully functioning life and business are possible!
One way to begin this process is to consider your peak experiences.
As noted by renowned psychologist, Abraham Maslow, peak experiences make us feel as
if we have a sense of purpose. These are peak moments when we are at our best.
As an example, two of mine are writing, and coaching. When I participate in either of these
activities, I do not notice time passing and feel as if I am in a state of flow and happiness.
Start identifying your peak experiences. As you become more aware of them, the more
clear the route to building your business around your life will become.
At first these types of experiences may not seem as if they could be directly related to your
business. For instance, some peak moments could be as simple as appreciating a great sunset.
For some, this would relate to travel and spending time outdoors. Another example would be when
time spent with certain people, family and loved ones aside, leaves you feeling refreshed and
rejuvenated. Pay attention to their personalities, and what you happen to learn from them. This may
have implications for the future of your business or profession.
How To Recognize Peak Moments:
- What you are doing feels effortless and very enjoyable.
- Time passes quickly.
- You are in fully absorbed in what you are doing.
- You have great clarity with what you are doing.
How To Get Started:
- Practice becoming aware of these experiences.
- Start to jot them down.
- Plan on how to integrate them into your life and business.
- Consider rewriting your business vision and strategy plan to include new directions.
- Create a plan if you have not done so yet.
Cheers!
Diana
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Issue Overview
1. Team Leadership
2. Work-Life Balance
1. Team Leadership
2. Work-Life Balance
Article: Team leadership skills and tips