High performing teams hold one another accountable, and this is emphasized as one of the key tenets of teamwork in Patrick Lencioni’s best-selling book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. However – this is easier said than done. A lot of bosses are conflict avoidant, and so they do not follow-up. As an outcome of this, high performers often end up leaving the … [Read more...] about Building Team Accountability
Build a Culture of Appreciation
You honestly appreciate your team and you probably think that they know it. You are probably wrong. According to research reported in Harvard Business Review*, many leaders incorrectly assume that the team they work with know how they feel about them. They call this an “illusion of transparency.” In other words, no – people cannot read your mind; or your heart. Here … [Read more...] about Build a Culture of Appreciation
You Can’t Announce a Shared Vision
More than one enthusiastic new CEO has told me “I plan to announce my vision at our first staff meeting” (usually said with a grin - sort of like “announce my presence with authority”). My general rule is that I don’t provide advice unless asked, and when I have been asked by a new CEO about this plan I have said “Well, you might consider holding off on that for a while.” … [Read more...] about You Can’t Announce a Shared Vision
Don’t Throw Away Your Shot
The popular “leading change” approach created by Dr. John Kotter – which I have been teaching for years – is focused on initiating a change with a “sense of urgency” and a Vision for the future. I get that and agree, but I am going to add something to his model the next time I teach it – and that is balancing Urgency with Timing. If you have a sense of urgency about a … [Read more...] about Don’t Throw Away Your Shot
Tips for Team Problem Solving
Part of your success will depend upon your ability to lead your team through effective problem-solving on a regular basis. One suggested process* for team problem-solving includes: *Define the Problem *Generate Solutions *Evaluate Solutions *Choose a Solution *Make a Plan These seem obvious and straightforward, yet – quite often – teams do not follow this … [Read more...] about Tips for Team Problem Solving