How do I make my team happy?
Do you, as a leader, ask yourself this?Welcome to our first blog!
As I'm sure we all know, a Happy Team has a huge commercial advantage.
A simple formula:
HT (Happy Team) + HPT (High Performing Team) = IPP (Increase in Productivity & Profits)
Happy Team = Happy LEADER
This does of course take some leadership investment in time and focus on your people, which pays huge dividends in the long run.
Try the five Cs approach to increasing team engagement and happiness:
1. Communicate – ASK THEM! What would make them happier in their role or as a team? I know it sounds obvious but how often though do we ask rather than assume? By simply asking them the question, we can show we care and have taken a genuine interest - instantly increasing happiness.
2. Connect – How many of us ask a question and then stop listening? Listening attentively means placing all other distractions to one side. Summarising what you have heard and giving your team member that undivided attention, will build rapport, engagement and connection with that person – as a person.
3. Clarify – If they don’t know where you are going, how do you expect them to know how to get there? Take time to ensure your team are clear about their roles, responsibilities, expectations and how they contribute to the overall business goals. Giving them this clarity will help them perform better and make them feel like they are truly adding value.
4. Cherish - Do we remember to tell people when they have done a good job? Or are we really good at telling people when they haven't done a good job? Show your team you value them and recognise when a job is done well - it's the tiny noticeable things (TNT’s) that go a long way. Showing appreciation in small ways doesn’t even have to cost anything. Give specific feedback - it’s not enough to say well done, you want them to be clear on what they have done well – this helps for repeat performance and will make them feel cherished and special.
5. Compassion – In business? Really? Yes, really showing compassion and empathy when your team are struggling by placing yourselves in their shoes and acknowledging this, helping them through their challenges by asking the right questions of them, will help you develop your team. Building long lasting loyal and trustworthy relationships will pay back dividends – we all have feelings - we are human and as a leader it's ok to show yours. It makes you human.
Give the 5 C’s a go and see if the happiness temperature rises in your business. Until the next time…….
Enjoy the journey.
Ready for your plans for 2014? Get clear on your vision and priorities for 2014 attend the next power2lead program 30/31st Jan 2014 – limited places are still available.
You may qualify for ½ price training contact Anjana:
07976 268838 [email protected]