One often hears of the phrase “Lead by Example” at the workplace. It means being a role model. People want their teams to be flock, following them step by step. Many through the years have called it team management too. But that’s not what it is. And honestly, do you really want followers following you blindly? If so, it’s known as “Dictatorship”. Look it up in the history books, not very popular with the masses eventually, and often had a very sad end. This route is likely to help you reach paths leading you to depression. What you probably want is for people to be as similar in function to you as possible. That’s also not a good idea, it tends to kill initiative and creativity. This in turn causes bouts of anxiety in you and your co-workers. So, what is it that you want?
Could it be someone who ‘gets you’? Could it be a situation that people understand in the first go everything from your intent to your process? That they comprehend your ideal way of working? Manage to provide the desired outcomes? And do all this by being happy about stepping out of their comfort zones and in better interest or the larger picture? That’s a lot of questions! Assuming the answer to these collectively is “Yes”, then read on.
‘It’s difficult to explain, hence people instruct’.
If you really want someone to be in sync with you, tell them your intentions. Transfer that passion you so feel about your goals. Targets don’t have to be a one-man show, they can be a group effort. That’s what a team is supposed to do. Work together towards a common goal. The way to get your team members to look in the same direction is the actual challenge. But It’s also the best part because for a team to be successful they don’t have to all look in the same direction. Here are some ideas that may help:
Segregating Work: Break down the process into doable chunks of tasks. Step-by-step work is the functioning out to bits that can be worked individually and eventually be brought in together. Each task at some point is going to depend on another and another and so on.
Aligning Allotment: Assigning these tasks as per the skill sets of your team members is vital. It allows each of them to work in their area of expertise and excel in their own space. It also allows them to give their best to the entire project. Stepping out of your comfort zones isn’t always the solution, sometimes staying within the zone but churning out better output works just as well.
Interlinking: The co-dependence of these teams working together ensures a smooth flow of ideas and execution. It allows an amalgamation of thoughts and processes smoothly fuelling each other. Each team is then prepared with the responsibility that is passed on from one to another in a chain effect that ensures an outflow that ultimately produces the intended product.
Recognize Contribution: Avoid beliefs like “Your job is just to…”. Instead, use “Irrespective of your task, you are contributing to the smooth functioning of … and helping everyone achieve…”. Changing the narrative is always good. Soft skills are terribly underrated. This way you work towards better work ethics and clearer mental health goals too.
When people work together as one it is good, but when people work knowing that they are building something together, the sense of ownership is far stronger and reassuring, not to mention satisfying. The next time you try to motivate your team, check if you are following the basics first. Also, remember that you may be communicating with your team today but you are also shaping them to be leaders in one way or the other. This is inevitable. People get influenced both negatively and positively by your thoughts and behaviours. What kind of team, managers, and leaders of tomorrow you churn out yourself, depends on you entirely; you are their torchbearer. Think back and analyze. When you began your journey, would you not have wanted to guide you and nurture you? Someone who could have understood you and your requirements. Shown you a path that matched your intent and interest. Perhaps an ideal torchbearer. So, are you the torchbearer you needed when you began?
At CareMe Health, we provide an accessible and affordable virtual mental health platform, making it easy to receive the support you need, when you need it.
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