LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE - Part 3: Team Building and Leadership

BRE Breakthrough Elite Agent Insider/Leadership/LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE - Part 3: Team Building and Leadership

Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Are you ready to become a rainmaker and team leader extraordinaire? Then get ready to dive into the world of team building and leadership, because Ken Blanchard and Patrick Lencioni have some serious wisdom to impart.

In "The One Minute Manager", Blanchard emphasizes that building a strong team is key to achieving success. He notes that effective teams are those that are united around a common goal, and that have a strong sense of trust, respect, and collaboration. This is the kind of book that I always recommend to my coaching clients who are just starting out on their leadership journey.

Similarly, in "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team", Lencioni highlights the importance of addressing the underlying dysfunctions that can prevent a team from functioning effectively. He notes that effective teams are those that have a high level of trust, are able to engage in healthy conflict, and are committed to a common goal. This is a book that always gets rave reviews from my clients.

So, how can you put these insights into action and become a true team-building superhero? Here are some practical strategies to get you started:

Foster Open Communication:

As a leader, fostering open communication and encouraging feedback is crucial to building a strong and effective team. Drawing inspiration from "The One Minute Manager" and "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team", here are some practical strategies for creating a culture of open communication and feedback:

Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins with your team members to discuss progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. Use this time to listen actively and offer constructive feedback and support. Example: Set up weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with your team members to review progress on ongoing projects. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to their responses, taking note of any feedback or concerns they may have. Use this feedback to adjust your own leadership style and adapt to the needs of your team.

Conduct 360 Reviews: Encourage team members to provide feedback on each other's performance in a structured and anonymous way. This approach allows for honest feedback to be given without fear of retribution. Example: Set up a 360 review process for your team, where each member provides feedback on the performance of their colleagues. Make sure that the feedback is anonymous and conducted in a structured way, such as through an online survey or written feedback form. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and create action plans for addressing them.

Create a Safe Space for Feedback: Make it clear that feedback is welcome and valued, and create a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Example: Start team meetings by explicitly stating that feedback is welcome and encouraged, and that it is viewed as a valuable tool for growth and improvement. Make sure that all team members have a chance to speak and be heard, and model active listening and empathetic communication. Celebrate feedback that leads to positive changes or improved outcomes.

Establish a clear purpose and vision:

As a leader, it's essential to establish a clear purpose and vision that can guide your team towards success. Here are some practical strategies for establishing a clear purpose and vision:

Set SMART Goals: Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals that align with your team's purpose and vision. This will help to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and objectives. Example: Set a SMART goal of increasing team productivity by 25% within the next six months. This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, and it aligns with the team's purpose and vision of achieving greater efficiency and success.

Communicate the Big Picture: Make sure that everyone on your team understands the broader purpose and vision behind the work that they are doing. This will help to create a sense of purpose and motivation, and will ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal. Example: Hold a team meeting to discuss the bigger picture of the work that you are doing. Explain how your work fits into the broader goals and objectives of the team, and how it can help to create positive change. Encourage team members to ask questions and share their thoughts on how they can contribute to the bigger picture.

Lead by Example: As a leader, it's important to model the behavior that you want to see in your team. This means living and breathing the purpose and vision that you have established, and making sure that everyone on your team is aligned with these goals. Example: Make sure that your actions and decisions are aligned with your team's purpose and vision. Show your team that you are committed to these goals by consistently making them a priority in your work. Celebrate successes that align with the purpose and vision, and use setbacks as learning opportunities to help you refine and improve your approach.

Set Clear Expectations:

Setting clear expectations is essential to ensure that everyone on your team is working towards the same goals and objectives.

Define Roles and Responsibilities: Make sure that everyone on your team understands their specific roles and responsibilities, and how they contribute to the team's overall goals and objectives. This will help to ensure that everyone is clear on what is expected of them. Example: Create a document outlining each team member's roles and responsibilities, and review it with the team regularly. Encourage team members to ask questions and provide feedback on how they can improve their performance.

Provide Clear Guidelines and Expectations: Make sure that everyone on your team understands the guidelines and expectations for their work, including quality standards, deadlines, and other key metrics. This will help to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. Example: Create a document outlining the key guidelines and expectations for your team's work, and review it with the team regularly. Provide specific examples of what is expected in terms of quality, deadlines, and other key metrics, and make sure that everyone understands how their work contributes to these goals.

Establish a Feedback Loop: Make sure that there is an open and ongoing feedback loop between you and your team members. This will help to ensure that everyone is clear on their progress and performance, and that any issues or concerns can be addressed in a timely manner. Example: Schedule regular check-ins with your team members to discuss their progress and performance. Provide specific feedback on what is going well and what can be improved, and encourage team members to share their own feedback and concerns. Use this feedback to make adjustments to expectations and guidelines as needed.

Celebrate success:

As a leader, celebrating success with your team is essential to building morale, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. Drawing inspiration from "The One Minute Manager" and "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team", here are some practical strategies for celebrating success:

Acknowledge Accomplishments: Make sure to acknowledge the accomplishments of your team members in a timely and meaningful way. This will help to show that you value their hard work and dedication. Example: Send a team-wide email acknowledging a specific accomplishment or milestone that your team has achieved. Make sure to highlight the specific contributions of team members, and show how their hard work has contributed to the team's success.

Celebrate as a Team: Celebrating success as a team can help to build a sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment. This can help to foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork. Example: Plan a team-wide celebration to acknowledge a significant accomplishment or milestone. This could be anything from a team lunch or happy hour to a fun team-building activity. Make sure to involve everyone on the team and show your appreciation for their hard work.

Use Success as a Learning Opportunity: Celebrating success can also be an opportunity to learn from your accomplishments and improve your approach moving forward. Example: Hold a team get together after a successful project or accomplishment. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on what went well and what could be improved in the future. Use this feedback to make adjustments to your approach and strategy moving forward.

Ensure you “catch people doing things right”:

As a leader, catching people doing things right is a powerful way to build morale, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment among your team members. Here ere are some practical strategies for catching people doing things right:

Provide Specific and Timely Feedback: Make sure to provide specific and timely feedback to team members when they do something right. This will help to show that you value their hard work and dedication. Example: When you notice a team member going above and beyond in their work, take the time to provide specific feedback on what they did well and why it was important. Make sure to do this in a timely manner so that the feedback is still relevant.

Share Positive Feedback Publicly: Sharing positive feedback publicly can be a powerful way to show that you value your team members' contributions and hard work. Example: Send an email to the entire team sharing specific feedback on a team member's accomplishments. Make sure to highlight what they did well and how it contributed to the team's success. This can be a powerful way to build morale and motivation.

Make a Habit of Catching People Doing Things Right: Make it a habit to catch people doing things right on a regular basis. This can help to create a positive and supportive culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Example: Create a "catching people doing things right" program where team members are encouraged to provide positive feedback to each other on a regular basis. This can be done through an online platform or in person, and can help to create a culture of positivity and appreciation.

By building and leading a strong team, you create an environment where you and your team can achieve great things and create a positive work environment for everyone involved.

Now let's head into Part Four: Leadership and Gender>>>

Book Summary of "The One Minute Manager" by Ken Blanchard

The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard is a quick and easy read that packs a powerful punch. In this classic management guidebook, Blanchard presents a simple yet effective approach to managing people that can be applied in any industry or organization.

The book follows the story of a young man who is searching for the perfect manager. He meets a wise old mentor who introduces him to the "One Minute Manager" – a manager who can get great results with minimal effort. The One Minute Manager is characterized by three key behaviors: setting clear goals, praising good performance, and reprimanding poor performance.

Blanchard argues that by using these three behaviors, managers can create a positive and productive work environment where everyone is focused on achieving their goals. He provides practical tips on how to implement each behavior, such as setting SMART goals and using the "one-minute praising" and "one-minute reprimand" techniques.

The book is written in a witty and engaging tone, with plenty of anecdotes and examples to illustrate the concepts. Blanchard's writing is accessible and easy to understand, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their management skills.

One of the most inspiring aspects of The One Minute Manager is the emphasis on positive reinforcement. Blanchard argues that by praising good performance, managers can create a culture of excellence where everyone is motivated to do their best. He also stresses the importance of quick and effective reprimands, which can prevent small issues from escalating into bigger problems.

Overall, The One Minute Manager is a must-read for anyone who wants to become a more effective manager. Blanchard's simple yet powerful approach can help managers of all levels achieve better results with less effort. So if you're looking for a quick and easy way to boost your management skills, pick up a copy of The One Minute Manager today – you won't regret it!

Book Summary of "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni is a must-read for anyone who wants to build a high-performing team. In this engaging and insightful book, Lencioni presents a powerful framework for understanding the common dysfunctions that can derail even the best teams.

The book is structured as a fable, following the story of a new CEO who inherits a dysfunctional executive team. Through a series of meetings and conversations, the CEO learns about the five dysfunctions that are holding the team back: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results.

Lencioni argues that these five dysfunctions are interconnected and build upon each other, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break. However, by addressing each dysfunction in turn, teams can move towards greater trust, productivity, and success.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the book is the emphasis on the importance of vulnerability and trust in building strong teams. Lencioni argues that without trust, teams cannot engage in healthy conflict, make committed decisions, or hold each other accountable. He provides practical tips on how to build trust, such as sharing personal stories and admitting mistakes.

Another key takeaway from the book is the importance of healthy conflict. Lencioni argues that teams that avoid conflict are often plagued by passive-aggressive behavior and unresolved tension. However, by engaging in healthy conflict, teams can surface and resolve issues in a constructive way, leading to better decisions and stronger relationships.

Overall, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is a witty and engaging book that provides valuable insights into what makes teams succeed or fail. Lencioni's framework is practical and easy to understand, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their team's performance. So if you're looking to build a strong and effective team, pick up a copy of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team today – your team will thank you for it!

Ready to learn more? Schedule a 10-15 minute Zoom call with one of our Elite Agent Advisors to discuss your business, your goals, and your future, and see if the Breakthrough RE Elite Agent Adacemy is Right for you.

SCHEDULE YOUR INFO CALL NOW

All content, including but not limited to videos, tools, downloads, and any other materials shared within Breakthrough-RE Elite Agent Academy, a division of Finley-RE: Coaching and Consulting, is protected by copyright law. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Finley-RE: Coaching and Consulting. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any materials from Breakthrough-RE Elite Agent Academy is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Request

Disclaimer Notice

Yes, I'm ready to schedule my info call!