Know Your Team

Last week I shared a Ted Talk by Susan Cain. In it, she describes the power of introverts. One of her key points is that people have different "styles of being." 

To be an effective leader, you must know your team. It is easy to get set in our ways and believe that our methods are best for each of our team members. The reality is that our teams will never reach their full potential as long as we force-feed strategies and methods to our team members.

One of our chief priorities as leaders should be getting to know our team members. I am not talking about things like their interests or hobbies, though, those are important as well. I am talking about knowing their preferred work environments, communication methods, and brainstorming techniques. 

Once you understand your people, you will be able to put them in positions to succeed. Ask good questions. Try new methods. Trust your team members by giving them autonomy to work in the way that suits them best. Many managers are fearful that things will not get done if they give their people autonomy. The sad thing is, those same managers will never see their people exceed expectations, break the mold, or reach their full potential. The growth of your team depends upon you allowing your team to grow and giving your team the proper amount of guidance and autonomy. You will only succeed at this if you understand your team.

Know your team, trust your team, and empower your team.

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