Do you ever look at your team and wonder “What are they thinking?” The blank stares or distracted looks at the smartphone have you wondering if you speak a foreign language. With missed deadlines and broken communication you wonder how anything gets done. Oh yea…that’s right, you are the one picking up the pieces.
Great leadership begins with you. But it takes willing team players to make you a leader of more than just yourself. Amen you say. But how do you build that winning team?
Step 1 Look inside
Leadership begins with you. How well do you know you? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What is your vision for your business or the group you manage? What do you value in your life and work? How is that reflected in what you do? Does it align with who you are?
Step 2 Step outside
Evaluate how Step 1 is reflected in your business. Or is it? Can you even see how your leadership shows up? More than likely not. There are signs to look for and this is also a great opportunity for an outsider to provide feedback.
Step 3 Ask
Who wants to be on the bus you are driving? You have to ask. The first place to ask is in the hiring process. Then you ask again and again and again. Many will tell you by their actions but asking is part of the equation.
Step 4 Do
Do what? Act on the information you’ve received. With the information gathered, do you need to readdress Step 1? From the evaluation in Step 2, have you positioned the team to be able to perform? Are the people on the bus the right people? Step 3.
The answers to these questions (and a few more!) will build a business and a team in which you can flourish. The first step is always the hardest. Let me help with that.