Dec
04
2014
Productivity: getting the best out of your team
By David Goodman.
People who deal in stocks, shares and currencies are constantly seeking ways to increase the value of their portfolio. That’s their job. What about your portfolio? Your stock of Human Capital? How do you add value to your company by making sure your stock performs better?
Successfully engaging with your staff is like opening a Russian doll. Each time one is opened a smaller one is found inside and each layer represents a different level of commitment. It is easy to open the larger dolls, but it gets increasingly difficult to open the smaller ones.
Most organisations have opened some of the dolls - people are doing their jobs, targets are met and standards are satisfactory. Some organisations have opened most of the dolls - staff are exceeding job expectations, targets are often broken and there is a culture of achievement. However, very few organisations succeed in opening all the dolls. In these organisations staff aim high and take personal responsibility for their achievements. They don’t need management. In fact management will only interfere. The culture is one of outstanding performance and staff consistently deliver the highest of standards. Sounds great? It is, and it’s within your reach. Every leader has the responsibility of doing what they can to create a high performance culture.
Why not have a go with one member of your team. Before you start make sure that they know what is required of them and that they have the resources to deliver. Now you can follow these three key steps to great results. Repeat this with each person and you’re on your way to creating a great team.
1.Communicate. Make sure they know the contribution they are making to the overall goals of the organisation. Purpose is a great motivator. Make them aware of the difference they are making and how their effort fits into the wider organisational picture.
2.Trust. Show them you trust them. The best way to do this is to support them even when they make mistakes. This will encourage them to continue to aim high without looking over their shoulder in fear.
3.Praise their work. Show appreciation. Make it timely and make it genuine. This will fill their ‘emotional bank account’ on which they will draw when the going gets tough in order to continue to deliver outstanding results.
David Goodman has over 25 years' experience as a coach, consultant and trainer focusing on enhancing performance and productivity with individuals, teams and organisations.
