When your team believes that you believe in them, you become a trusted leader. You become a Great Leader!
So, how do you communicate to your team members that you believe in them? Do you just tell them so? I guess you could and you probably should, from time to time. I think the following three ways are great ways to communicate to your team that you believe in them and develop a trusted relationship, happy people, and get the job done in the most efficient way possible without developing unhealthy lifestyle.
1. Delegate more and often
I am sure this is probably not the first time you have heard of this word. And, you also think that yeah that's a good thing to do. But, do you really consciously and intentionally delegate to your team? Always looking for ways to delegate?
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When you delegate tasks to people, it makes them feel valued. Delegation is not only good for you to go focus on the things that you can add most value to, but also helps develop those people you are delegating to. It sends a message – “Yes, I believe you can do this.” “Yes, you can succeed at this.”
2. Give ownership
When you delegate, do you just want the work done and done on time? Is that all you care? Really? Well, think again. People feel empowered when they feel they have ownership in everything that they do. They feel like they are making decisions as they move towards the goal of finishing whatever they are working on. Allow and empower your team for them to be able to make their own decisions. You can still hold the rope's end even if you give “most of the rope” to them! Ownership breeds accountability and, yes, trust. When you give ownership, they believe that you believe in them.
3. Autonomy
Autonomy is another way to convey to your team that you believe in them. You don't need to give autonomy of all aspects of your work, but make an intentional effort on an ongoing basis that you are providing sufficient autonomy. Autonomy is the flexibility and freedom you give to your team in performing their day-to-day job.
You can say something like, “here is my suggestion, but I will leave it up to you to decide exactly what and how to make it happen”. Another behavior of good leaders in this area is to not “bug” your team members too often. It distracts people and team's efficiency goes down. If you are freaking out about something for some reason, go take a break yourself and clam down first. Then, schedule “sync up” meetings that are well spaced out in days.
I setup daily meetings with my core team and then a weekly meeting with part of my core team plus people from different functional groups. This keeps all my meetings the most efficient possible and provides enough autonomy to my core team members.
So, once again… When you communicate to your team that you believe in them, your team executes well and follows you as their trusted and most liked leader.
Leave a comment below and tell me your thoughts. Thank you!