Everything you need to learn about teamwork comes from… TV? Well, not exactly.
But in this “golden age” of the small screen, there are a remarkable number of bosses and boss-types that can help illustrate some important concepts about team motivation. Like how, as a manager, you can inspire your team (usually by not following these examples) or how, as teammates, you can generate and maintain working cultures that aren’t lacking for trust or hurting for desire (usually by not following these examples).
Check out these 8 tips, with help from some TV bosses:
Tip 1: Transparency inspires
There’s a lot of talk these days about transparency, and it’s for good reason. Fact is, honesty and candor are inspiring. Eight-nine percent of survey participants say transparent decision-making boosts team achievement. It’s when people don’t know what’s going on and start relying on guesswork that problems crop up. Feeling like you’re in the dark drains morale in a hurry.
Tip 2: Invite feedback and pay attention to it
Managers and team members alike benefit from feedback. A 360-degree review is a great way to outlet thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a constructive (and positive) way, and help all members of a team work better together.
67% of high-achieving teams engage in candid feedback.
Tip 3: Keep it positive
Nobody wants to work in an environment dominated by doom and gloom. Put simply, happier teams achieve more. And have more fun doing it. Keep your team energized and thinking creatively by considering these 9 habits.
Tip 4: Give frequent and specific praise
Help others become the best version of themselves. Praise should be specific (but not weirdly too personal) and useful. It should speak to the work, the situation, and the behaviors exhibited – but never personal attacks. “Appreciation for a colleague or a new skill or the completion of a product transforms the ordinary into something more special and meaningful,” says organizational leadership specialist, Valia Glytsis.
Tip 5: Get in the trenches
Work on projects together, no matter your position on the team. The solidarity and camaraderie go a long, long way. For more, check out “Secrets of Great Leaders.”
Tip 6: Let others lead
Develop practices where different members of your team get a chance to take the lead on projects. The inability to thoughtfully delegate (as well as only delegate) causes problems, like people disengaging or feeling like their abilities and input don’t matter. Steve Jobs cautioned: “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” Great leaders delegate authority.
Tip 7: Establish trust
Trust is the number one success factor for any team. Relying on fear to establish authority is a method best left to Mafia dons. Instead, inspire and foster a culture of trust with openness and authenticity.
Among high-achieving teams, 57% are welcome to give honest feedback to those higher on the org chart.
Tip 8: Stay engaged
More than anything, this is about showing respect for your team. It doesn’t matter if you’re the boss or a teammate on equal footing. When interacting, make a concerted effort to practice active listening skills and fight off the urge to check devices and other distractions. When people feel heard and understood, they feel better. This translates to more connection as people, and more engagement as a team.
