Play along with the TEAM

Management can be defined as ManageMenTactfully. So, it’s all about managing the people. If team members are happy, things will automatically be done. You take care of the team; they take care of the deliverables for you. However, the big question is how to make them happy? Moreover, how to keep them happy?

                If we look at manager as the captain of a team, team expects the captain to be around on the ground with them. They look up to the captain, when they are in trouble and want some guidance. It is not only for the guidance, but they want you to appreciate their success. A non-playing captain may not be so successful. As mentioned above, if you want to manage people, you should know them well. The only way to know is to work closely with them and listen to them. Listening is the most important skill a manager should have to be a good manager. The role of a manager should not be looked at as a role with authority. This should rather be looked at as the role with more responsibility.

No manager will get a team full of star performers. Even if you are fortunate to have the best performers in place, they may not be motivated enough to do things for you. Team should do things for you more than as a duty. You will be able to succeed only when you are able to identify their strengths and give them opportunity in those areas where they shine and make good contributions. It’s also your duty as a manager to identify the weakness and cover them and guide them to overcome those weakness. That’s where you are adding value to the team, in a way to the organization to get the best out of the resources.

We can use couple of ways to know better about the team members.

·         Have regular one to one meetings to understand their aspirations, concerns, provide constructive feedback and to hear their feedback on you. During these sessions, patience is the key. You need to have very good listening skills. You need to let them speak completely and then you should be able to articulate your response in the right tone to them back.

·         Organize team-building activities; Make sure everyone actively participate and know each other. Don’t miss those opportunities to appraise desired candidates. There will be lot of talent hidden in each of the team members. Encourage them to perform in the group. This brings a special recognition to them and they get a special place in the team after knowing them better. This gives an opportunity to know little more about the person.

·         Provide as many initiatives and responsibilities as possible to the team and see how they respond or react to them. This gives you the next level resources that you want to build as a leadership team, which is very important.

 

It is equally important to give an opportunity to the team to know about you. For that, you have to participate actively in those team-building events. This gives them comfort to come to you for any issues they may have.

Play along with the team, but don’t play with the team.