Four Tools Leaders Use to Drive Team Performance Higher
Posted on Thu, May 27, 2010 @ 12:00 PM
Stay tuned for more blog postings from Mary Kier.
This week we continue to explore peak performance and how leaders can transfer their best practices into the lives of those they coach.
Wayne Lukas - one of the most successful thoroughbred horse trainers in the country - profoundly said about performance that, "The speed of the leaders determines the rate of the pack." Leaders are inherently the pace-setters of the team. In my experience I've witnessed great leaders consistently coach stellar performances out of those they manage by using these four tools: vision, empathy, charisma, and communication.
Vision
Vision tops the chart at number one because it is the most important.
To inspire people to follow, you must have a vision that is communicated with charisma and empathy. Throughout coaching your team to their peak performance, be aware that everyone's number one goal is to succeed. Bearing this in mind, create a vision that allows team members to succeed, as well as, stretch their abilities.
Empathy
To be a great leader it helps to establish a positive and creative environment where subordinates support the vision. As a boss, leader and mentor, you need to remember to be a warm human being. Go that extra mile and take a sincere interest in your people. Show empathy in figuring out the way they learn best and delegate assignments that demonstrate how well you know each and every employee's strengths.
This will help raise performance levels because your empathy will show people how much they matter to you and the company.
Charisma
Leaders have a greater influence on team performance than nearly any other individual factor. Sure - paychecks, benefits, and bonuses can stimulate short-term results - but to truly build commitment to your organization's big goal, as a leader you'll need to use old-fashioned charm. It's as simple as this: people like to follow a leader they admire. This means you must go above and beyond the standard "lead by example" mantra, and evolve to leading with panache.
Communication
It is through communication that work roles are established, maintained and transformed. To drive performance higher a leader should dedicate time to exercising those vitally important communication skills. Hold strategic conversations with people so they are clear about expectations and direction. Help people achieve the goals that are important to them and, in turn, the goals that are important to you. Make sure there is open communication, a shared goal, and a specific result from the effort for each of you.
The very best leaders get better every day and in return the people around them become better also. When leaders grow the employees under them grow as well. Work hard to be successful - enjoy it along the way - and don't be surprised how many people follow in your footsteps.
Stay tuned for next week's blog posting!