A number of leaders I am working with have asked some interesting questions about how to inspire their teams for the start of the New Year. Sound familiar? Well join the club, after all we are only human and so is the boss.
Each of their questions is an article in its own right that I will address in the months ahead.
• How do I have the team hit the floor running?
It’s easy to be distracted on returning to work after a break, becoming consumed with immediate tasks like mail, email, messages, reports etc. Imagine this, on arriving at your place of work you immediately visit each of your team and simply say, “It’s good to be back, let’s catch up. Let me know how your diary is this week for a one on one and any ideas or thoughts you have to share with me or the team for the year.”
• How do I energise them?
Organise an activity with some useful tips or tools that everyone can benefit from and have fun doing together.
• How do I make this the best place to work?
This sounds simple, just ask them. You might be surprised with the feedback and their appreciation for being asked.
• How do I prevent time consuming behavioural issues that impact morale and distract us from our real purpose?
Seriously review your Code of Conduct and revise if necessary. If you don’t have one, make it a priority.
• How do I encourage new ideas to emerge while avoiding committees for everything?
Suggest to your team or teams New Ideas becomes an agenda item at regular meetings and give a great prize for the best of the year!!
• How do we get it all done and still have fun?
It’s important to have fun. Test your atmosphere. Is it welcoming? Perhaps you are experiencing tremendous growth and need independent expert input. This can relieve your executive to care for the core business while the expert conducts projects with fresh suggestions for you to consider.
I am closing with my Mantra for the Year
“2008 is going to be Great! ”
I am excited about the New Year and I hope you are too.
Catherine