Pathways to Excellence
Checklist For a Strong TeamFebruary 18, 2013
Greetings!

familyHave you ever thought about your family as a team? We don't often officially define it that way, but of course it is. You may have a large team (family) or a small one. You probably have quiet, agreeable team members, and more aggressive, intense members.
  
Like families, contrary to popular belief, the most successful teams are not the ones in which team members always agree with one another. What distinguishes strong teams from dysfunctional ones is that debate doesn't cause them to fragment.
  
Check out today's checklist for a strong team, and see where you can make changes in your team to become more effective, gain strength and develop cohesion.
  
And check out Supervisor 101, with 4 short, self-paced modules to help your new supervisors develop core competencies to lead, or participate in, a winning team!
  
  
Unleash the Leader Within!
Teresa


Teresa Gilbert
Pathways to Excellence, LLC

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IN THIS ISSUE
Monday Morning Leadership Tip #215: Checklist For a Strong Team
Leadership Training
About Teresa

 MONDAY MORNING LEADERSHIP TIP #215
Checklist For a Strong Team


One reason great teams are able to grow through conflict is because they have a laser-like focus on results. Top teams seek out evidence and data and try to remain as objective as possible. As a result, while people may have different views, they are united in seeking the truth. Team members can argue, but in the end, they are on the same side. In sharp contrast, failing teams tend to personalize disagreement, creating territorial divides that continue to grow.

 

As you work to grow a stronger team, consider the following checklist:
 

  1. checklistModel. Model what you want them to be and do. This applies to the time you arrive at work, use of time during the day, your days off, how you make decisions, and even how you treat others. Don't ask anyone to do what you are not willing to do.
  2. Build Success. Help each staff member be successful. Ask yourself, "do I set people up for failure or success?" A real leader helps others succeed.
  3. Be Fair. This applies to compensation, rewards, discipline, rules, everything. Fair doesn't always mean even, or the same, but it does mean equitable.
  4. Require Accountability. This is often missing in an effective manner. This does not mean legalistic; but let your team members hold you accountable, and you hold them accountable for the things that need to be accomplished.
  5. Require Goals. A lot can be said here, but for simplicity... make goals SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely). And follow up; provide assistance when needed to help goals be reached.
  6. Provide Support. Back your staff. Establish a relationship of trust; let them know they can count on your support.
  7. Offer Training. Be a teacher; model what you teach. Be willing to train staff to learn the skills they don't have.
  8. Share. Share leadership with your team. Give members place and position on the team. Help them use their skills so they feel they contribute significantly.
  9. Give Personal Attention. Spend time with each team member. One on one time is important to developing strong relationships, thus building a strong team. Your team is only as strong as your weakest link -- get to know your staff.
  10. Share the Vision. Keep repeating yourself; share from your heart. You are the vision caster, and you must cast it over and over. On a frequent basis, the team needs to hear the vision from you.
  11. Be vulnerable. Share your own needs; be human and humble. You are not perfect. Unless leaders are willing to humble themselves and receive support, the same cannot be expected from team members.
  12. Seek Balance. Help team members live a balanced life. If your team member is emotionally crippled, overstressed, and/or not making good life decisions, the whole team is negatively impacted.
  13. Listen. Pay attention to the spirit of your team. Listen for attitudes, hurts and joys. Allow the team to discuss the climate of the team; ask for ways they think it can be improved.
  14. Be Positive. Give every person 'Triple A' treatment - attention, appreciation and affirmation.
  15. Empower. Give team members boundaries, yet provide them with lots of freedom within those boundaries. Stay in control without controlling.
  16. Be Secure. Become secure in who you are as a leader. Keep working at self-understanding so you know why you do what you do. Laugh at yourself.
  17. Build Family. Treat your team members with the respect and consideration that you would a beloved family member. Never treat them as children or as someone beneath you.
  18. Be Patient. Give your team time to develop. People learn and grow at different rates. Allow room for mistakes.
  19. Give Others Value. In every way possible, give your team members the gifts of importance and significance.
  20. Connect. Plan regular staff meetings; structure these connecting times in ways that are effective, not just "reporting" and taking up time.

 

How does your team measure up?

 

Where can you make some improvements to strengthen your team?

 

teamworkIf you're a new... or even seasoned supervisor, ongoing training is essential.

 

Our Supervisor Training 101 course provides training for critical skills and is available on-demand. That means no travel expenses, no time away from the office for you or your staff.

  

This course is totally self-paced and can be used individually or in a small group. In addition, optional individual or small-group coaching can be purchased for an additional charge.  Supervisor 101 contains four modules:
 

  • Module 1: Understanding Different Personality Styles and Learning Your Own Leadership Styl
  • Module 2: Preventing and Managing Conflict
  • Module 3: Consistency in Supervising Staff
  • Module 4: Going from Peer to Supervisor and Supervising Your Friends
     

Learn more here.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING
 
Would you like to learn more about leadership topics such as this one?

 

leadership trainingLeadership training opportunities are offered in many ways to meet your organization's specific needs and budget. Take a look at our different training approaches, including these On-Demand traning courses:

  • Supervisor 101
  • Bringing Out the Best in You and Others
  • Managing Staff in Stressful Times: Celebrations and Challenges of Leading Multiple Generations
  • Dealing With Difficult People
  • Creating a Culture of Customer Service Excellence
  • The Healthy Leader: Learning to Lead Yourself
ABOUT TERESA
 
Teresa GilbertTeresa Gilbert is founder of Pathways to Excellence, LLC, a company devoted to inspring excellence in others, empowering them to rise to their potential and "unleash the leader within"! She is also a Consultant, Leadership Coach, and author.  

If you liked today's issue, you'll love Teresa's dynamic coaching and training in the form of on-demand training, on-site presentations and one-on-one consulting. See more about Teresa and Pathways programs here.

Teresa Gilbert, "Live Your Leadership Mentor"
Pathways to Excellence, LLC
teresa@teresagilbert.com
Phone:  618-521-1917   |  Fax:  618-223-5181