There are libraries full of books about how to coach and develop the best teams. Whether on the playing field, gym, or other types of groups that must perform in harmony like dancers or orchestras, there are certain steps that are universal and when applied lead to the best outcomes. Here are a few.

 

Communicate openly. When leading a team, make sure all members understand what is expected of them and how their role contributes to a positive outcome. Make sure communications is 2 way. As a leader, commit to listening to questions. For example, I personally dislike being asked ‘what if’ questions for a lot of reasons. Mostly, because I am not very good at predicting the future and resent being asked to. Otherwise, I’ve had employees who would pepper me with ‘what if’ scenarios as a way to poke holes in my plan or direction and ultimately to just get out of work, or try to embarrass me in front of others. Other people ask the ‘what if’ question because they are unsure of themselves, do not really understand the assignment, or have been burned by managers who change priorities and job requirements. These later circumstances are understandable and why it falls to the leader to articulate what is needed well enough so that anyone can understand them. Finally, some people are not able to cope with change or changing instructions very well. It may be that these folks are a better fit in another part of the organization.

 

Adapt your approach. This is a lot like making sure the right player in baseball is positioned correctly. Michael Jordon was arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. But when he changed to baseball the results were mediocre at best. Jordon cannot hit a curve ball, but he can certainly make baskets like no other. If you have a great engineer on the team, do not assume that those abilities translate to accounting because they probably do not.

 

Respect each other. When trying anything new with a team, it is important they trust you. I took over a team once upon a time, that had been bludgeoned into line and told in no uncertain terms that any independent thought or new ideas were unwelcome. So when I took over, it was natural for them to be wary of any new change I tried to implement. Everyone is different and has experiences and a personal lens of understanding through which they see the world. You are a leader have similar experiences that color your point of view. Just knowing and acknowledging this alone will be the start of a mutually respectful relationship.

 

Encourage each other. No one was born knowing everything, or even anything. Be tolerant of your people and their foibles. That’s not to say be a sucker for every 2 bit excuse, but recognize that we are none of us perfect. Mistakes are made, misunderstanding occur and of course, accidents happen.

 

If these behaviors are modeled by you and other leaders it is reasonable to think that most employees will follow suit.