Sunday, September 1, 2013
As the Summer season approaches, it seems that there is a mad rush to "hurry up" to get things done so we can "slow down" before Summer break. The challenge with this mindset, is that it takes work to get things "in motion" again in September.
Here are 5 steps to allow for vacations and time off, while getting your team ready for a rocking finish to 2013.
1. Acknowledge what is. Where we are NOW as compared to where we were hoping/ expecting to be with benchmarks that were set at the beginning of 2013. (If clear benchmarks were not set back at the open of this year, consider clarifying for yourself your 2013 benchmarks now so YOU can communicate them with enthusiasm to your team before the year gets away from you.)
2. Explore with your team if collectively you have been missing something that could take you way over the top, or at least get you close by the end of 2013. Is there a hidden talent, or resource that one of your key players may have up their sleeve?
3. Set up a "what you don't know that I can do for the team" conversation where each person lets the team know his/ her "talent" to enhance the group moving forward.
4. Ask the question of each member of the group, "If this were your company, what would you do to make it the best in the industry?" Then listen to the answer. Take notes.
5. People like success. Let your team know what successes they have had already in 2013, and acknowledge them in their "language". Show them they are valued and thank them for their most valuable resources, their time and attention.
Use this Summer to explore the hidden resources in your organization and use them to create a competitive advantage over others in your industry. Remember, your people are your most valuable resource... Treat them as such, and you'll get amazing gifts in return.