Yesterday, I posted the first half of the ABCs of successful team management. These tips can apply to anyone who leads a team, whether you have subcontractors, staff or are a team leader. Here is the second part to help you become a better and more effective manager.
Never Miss the Celebration
Team successes should be consciously celebrated, whether through a congratulatory e-mail, a debrief phone conference or some other way that acknowledges the effort of each team member and closes out the project.
Open Your Door
As the manager or team leader, there may be nothing worse than being considered unapproachable by your team. Promote an open door policy so everyone is comfortable coming to you with issues, questions and requests.
Pay On Time
One very simple way to show how much you value your team is by paying them on time. If each individual knows they will be paid and paid on time, it promotes a relationship of trust and your team members may be more willing to go the extra mile for you.
Quit Assuming
You may think you know enough about your team members to make decisions about their experience and availability. But instead of assuming the information, ask them in advance to save time and unnecessary stress down the line.
Resolve Conflicts Immediately
There will always be the chance of miscommunication and disagreement when working in a team environment. Instead of avoiding the situation, address the issue immediately, give each team member a chance to voice concerns, agree on a resolution and move on.
Spell Out Expectations
Be very specific each time you assign a project or task to a team member. You will get the best results – and results closest to what you’re looking for – when you give as much information as you have and clarify exactly what you’re looking for them to do and provide at the end of the project.
Thank Them
A simple “thank you” can go a long way in promoting team unity. Be appreciative of all of the support your team members provide, and don’t be shy about thanking them for their work along the way.
Utilize Individual Skills
You may bring on a team member for a specific need, but find that they have skills beyond the scope of one project. Be willing to revise their role and increase their responsibility if the situation calls for it.
Volunteer
There is something to be said about a leader who remembers what it’s like to be in the trenches. Surprise your team by jumping in on a project to show them that you haven’t forgotten where you came from.
Work for Improvement
Even if things are going wonderfully, there is always room for improvement and an opportunity to be better. Along with celebrating the success, form performance goals so no one gets complacent in their work.
X Marks the Spot
Map out a path for reaching a specified reward. The reward can be given after reaching several milestones, the completion of multiple goals or the end of a successful project.
Yell in Private
If you ever need to reprimand a team member for a misstep, never do it publicly or in front of the rest of your team. All personnel issues should be handled with tact behind closed doors.
Zip It
Some things are best left unsaid. Walk away before saying something in the heat of the moment. Successful leaders know when it is best to just walk away until cooler heads prevail.
What would you as to this list of advice for leaders and managers?
Image credit: clam113
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
