“Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.” - Colin Powell.
A leader is not just for leading the company through good times. Their true value and competency are tested when the sailing is not smooth and the business goes through choppy waters.
As a leader, your team expects you to inspire and motivate them to accomplish the organization's goals. It is easy to lead when the going is smooth. But there will be times when there are challenges on the path to achieving your targets. That’s when you must prove your ability to navigate the rough, deal with the impediments, and drive your way to success.
Easier said than done?
The most successful managers and business leaders never shied away from challenges and always had rock-solid faith in their abilities.
Here are a few top tips for managing your team effectively when the going is tough.
Keep The Communication Lines Loud And Clear
Employees love to be kept in the loop about projects and their progress. Your project may have different sections and departments. They may play different but crucial roles that will finally converge on the main goal. Keeping the communication lines clear will help your team members understand the goings-on within the project. One way of keeping them engaged is to ask for feedback. Also, remain accessible so your staff can feel free to approach or call you when faced with a difficult situation.
Create Healthy Working Relationships
You may know every member of the team professionally, but do you know anything about their life outside work? Most managers and business leaders don’t keep relationships with their employees at a personal level. To build a rapport with the team, establish a stronger professional and emotional bond, and get to know their families too. It takes little effort, but the dividends can be pretty valuable. During tough times, they will walk that extra mile to support you and get things done.
Be Generous With Praise
Don’t be one of those leaders who openly pull up employees when things don’t look good but never praise any good work. Employees love it when they are appreciated for their efforts. By providing employees with positive feedback, you can build their confidence and get them involved more intensely in the project. When things are not going right, they will willingly put in extra effort without being pushed. Your generous praise can make them team players.
Be Real And Be One Of Them
When you work closely with your team, an unseen bond develops, which fosters love, affection, respect, and commitment. Don’t develop a superiority complex. Develop a bond instead. When the going gets tough, they will readily provide a helping hand to help you rise above the challenge and emerge triumphant. They will view your success as their own when there is a deep bond.
Employees need good leaders to guide and lead them and the company to greater success. If you follow these tips and incorporate them into your managerial style, your employees will look at you with respect and admiration. A sense of commitment will grow within them invariably. When you need their support and that extra bit of effort to tide over tough times, they will be more than willing to deliver.
Want more such valuable input from professionals who know how to transform business and drive growth? Contact www.info@momentumconsultinggrp.com. Momentum Consulting Group works with companies of all sizes to mentor and design transformational leadership programs. We’ll help you develop a strategy to help drive sales, boost profits, and expand your reach.