Just because people work together as a group, it doesn’t automatically mean they are a team. Business coach Peter Lunn looks at how to build and manage an invigorated team.
What Is A Team?
A number of people with shared objectives, who co-operate to achieve them in a way that allows each individual to make a distinctive contribution.
Where Do You Begin?
With you. Teams require leaders, but being the boss does not automatically qualify you to assume the title. If you are serious about creating an energised team, ask yourself how energised you are.
Lead from the front and by example. Inspiration is all around you, but if you don’t seek it you won’t find it. If you’re not looking for it, why not?
It’s Never Too Late To Change
What needs to change? Possibly the way you think, because you need a positive outlook to make a positive difference to yourself, your colleagues and your clients.
Many employers perceive themselves as right, and anyone who thinks differently as wrong. Question your own actions and invite your colleagues to appraise your behaviour and performance. Constructive feedback will help you to move in a profitable direction.
Poor managers often blame their colleagues for bad performance and think ‘if only I could get the right people’. It’s a myth to believe you will find the perfect person, but all employees have the potential to be excellent with the right support and encouragement.
What’s The Next Step?
Invest. This is the stumbling block for many employers but it’s not just about money. You must also invest quality time, knowledge and skill.
You might spend 40 hours a week with someone and still not know them. You might allocate time for a review, but if you are less than confident or lack understanding of purpose it could be stressful for you and demotivating for your employee.
If this is you, then you must learn how to connect and engage to make this scenario a meaningful experience.
Managing With Impact
A recent survey revealed that approximately 25% of employees leave their jobs because they do not receive constructive feedback on their performance from management.
It makes sense to learn how to present feedback and coach people to deliver improved performance.
Being The Best
In my experience, there are many fantastic teams out there. Large or small, the investment is completely relative and results will be proportionate to your investment.
The Key Points
- Your team members need to understand your business goal which must be:
- clearly defined
- achievable
- You need to appreciate and accomodate each individual’s goals, strengths and weaknesses and accommodate
- Give your team appreciation and recognition for their contribution
- Don’t be afraid to reprimand when required
- Look inside yourself and your people and discover the energised team just waiting to be released.
Peter Lunn is a motivational speaker who has worked in the hairdressing industry for more than 20 years. You can see Peter at Salon Business Extra, at Salon International.
College of Hairdressing College (west of Ireland) Courses available at www.hairdressing.ie
