Be the Right Influence – Team Focus

“Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.” Chris Hadfield

This weekend we had the opportunity to spend some time with our little cousins… quality time where all they wanted was to make things and do things. “Can you help me build this Uncle Paul and can you read us a story Aunty Cass… it was lovely to be able to spend time with them.

This got me thinking… what is the difference between this and how we interact with those within our businesses? Where we have teams, do our team members crave the feeling of “being part of the team”, spending time with the boss, learning from someone they look up to and who inspires them. When was the last time you found yourself being too busy for your team members? I heard this a number of times this week from clients. 
 
How do we then create this environment? Here are 3 ways we can create this space:

1. Do I know what dives them – My initial frustration at a 4yr old’s attention span was based on my view of the task at hand. He just wanted things that worked, that spun around, that he could push and they would keep going. So once Buzz was built, he spent all his time running around with Buzz… he was happy and had what he ultimately wanted

2. Think like a 4 year old – the team you have generally want to be made to feel important, that what they are doing matters and that they are being appreciated. Spending quality time with each team member gives you the chance to be their inspiration, their mentor, their example to model

3. Book time in your schedule – making time to be 100% present with those around you is an investment in them. Creating time to focus 100% on them will be appreciated, especially when you help build them up to be even more successful.

 
This week, take a moment to think about how you deal with your team members. Do they get your undivided attention… or is it constantly rushed and on the run (when we can find time). We all want time to be heard, be listened to, so make this time and your team results will reflect this effort. 

Feel empowered and forward this on to those in your networks who will get value from our regular tips. If you need help being the real and best version of you, send us a note at strategy@mentorisgroup.com.au and we’d love to chat about how we can help.

Have an awesome week!

Cheers
Paul Farmer
Managing Director
http://www.mentorisgroup.com.au