SOLUTION 35
GET YOUR TEAM WHAT IT NEEDS TO SUCCEED
‘In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.’Albert Einstein
who wouldn’t want to go the extra mile for a manager who at least tries to go the extra mile for them?
Even the most self-sufficient, effective work teams can’t function in a vacuum. They need you, and sometimes other departments or work groups, to provide the resources required to achieve their goals. They need the proper equipment and supplies, an appropriate work space, adequate administrative support, and suitable environmental amenities. It is your role as manager to make sure all of these elements are in place.
You must do everything within your power to get the very best for your team so that they can achieve their very best.
LET THEM GET ON WITH IT
If you want people to act responsibly, you have to give them responsibility – and hold them accountable for meeting the goals you set them. As long as they have the necessary knowledge, tools and resources to complete their assignments, your team members may work best when you give them the space to make their own decisions. Make sure they understand what you expect from them and when you expect it, then let them get on with it. But be ready to serve as facilitator, mediator, teacher, mentor, cheerleader, coach and parent – whatever they need.
when people interact, conflict is inevitable; it may not happen today or tomorrow, but eventually team members will clash
MANAGING CONFLICT
Sometimes people simply don’t get along with each other. Although we like to believe that adults can put aside their differences to work towards common goals, this doesn’t always happen. However, there is a difference between true conflict that threatens progress and the everyday tensions that adults must learn to manage. Don’t move in quickly at every sign of trouble. The ability of team members to work through their differences to renewed understanding and co-operation is crucial to the group’s success. There will be squalls and occasional storms, but conflict is a normal part of human interaction.
QUICK FIX: DEALING WITH PROBLEMS
Involve team members in the resolution of problems to increase their co-operation. If they help to create the solution, the more they have invested in making the agreed-upon changes work. Find a common objective and brainstorm possible solutions, and select the solution that has the best chance of meeting everyone’s needs.