Your team could be doing great. But there is always room for improvement, and perhaps you have not yet witnessed your team’s full potential.
Leading a team to greater productivity is tricky and difficult. Each member comes with a different talent and mental makeup, and getting them all on the same page can be complex at the very least.
Here are some tips for making your job of increasing your team’s productivity easier:
#1: Communicate your Goals through a Business Plan
A business plan is an integral part of a business at every stage, from idea conception to launch, management and future growth. A well-developed business plan gives a clear idea of where your business is and where it needs to be heading. Most importantly, make sure your plan is customized for your industry. A brewery business plan, for instance, will be very different from a plan for a different business and should be treated as such.
One of the best ways to increase team productivity is through meaningful motivation where team members are eager to contribute to your business’ success. A well-developed business plan can be a motivation-builder for your team.
A typical business plan communicates your long-term vision, short-term goals and the milestones in between. The plan can communicate the impact your team members can make by being committed to their roles and goals. This clarity of purpose can be a great motivator.
#2: Communicate Individual Expectations
A business plan communicates overall goals. It is you who has to set expectations on an individual level for your team members. Setting these expectations is important to improve day-to-day productivity.
Conduct one-on-one meetings to let your team members know what each one is expected to do, and the timeframe within which each expectation needs to be met.
It is important to set priorities each day. This clarity makes it easier for your team members to handle their projects. For example, if there are multiple projects, your team members can work on them according to priority, which leads to less chaos and better results.
Also, set clear communications for protocols such as meetings and brainstorming sessions. Does the team need to prepare for an hour, or will a few key points do for the meeting? Let them know.
Clear communication of priorities also enables your team to manage its time effectively.
When each team member has clarity about their responsibilities, bottlenecks are reduced, processes become smoother, and outcome improves.
#3: Allow Team Members to Take Ownership of their Work
Avoid micromanaging your teams. Let them know the outcome you are seeking. Then, leave it to them to come up with the desired results.
Allow your team members the freedom to make their own decisions as much as possible. If a team member feels he or she would not add value to a particular meeting and wants to skip it, allow him to do so. If a member feels she can contribute to a particular meeting and wants to attend, allow her.
#4: Give your Team Time to Cool Off
Whether you are following a 24/7 work-life integrated culture or a relaxed or balanced work culture, give your teams some cool-off time. The break time can lead to increased productivity and better morale.
#5: Seek Professional Counsel
Sometimes, a team member may need more than feedback and encouragement from the manager. If a team member is struggling at work, and your continuous efforts to talk and encourage have failed, then it is perhaps time to call in a professional.
Perhaps work burnout, harassment by a superior, a personal issue, or some other reason could be causing stress and impacting the team member’s productivity. A professional counseling expert can identify the issue and provide guidance.
Give your teams the freedom and guidance they need, and watch them thrive.
Increasing team productivity is a continuous process that requires steady efforts. An unshakeable commitment to your cause and teams is key to achieving this goal.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Business category.
Leave a Reply