No matter how successful you are as a team leader, you cannot be right all the time. My friend Suzanne Evans shows us how growing other leaders isn't just a duty, it's an obligation
Even the best of the best leaders know their weaknesses and seek guidance whenever they are out of their depth in their role. Whether that means following the lead of someone else within your organization or seeking professional development resources elsewhere, good leaders recognize the need for constant learning.
“ “Growing other leaders from the ranks isn’t just the duty of the leader, it’s an obligation.” –Warren Bennis
No matter how smart, talented, driven, or passionate you are, your success as an entrepreneur depends on your ability to build and inspire a team. A successful leader is one who can inspire his or her team members to work better together toward a common vision and goals.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Teamwork makes the dream work. And I am not just saying this because the quote sounds cool, but because it’s very true in the way Suzanne Evans Coaching is run on a daily basis. I am 1 of 4 new kids on the block here in Murrells Inlet and although my title is Marketing Assistant I do more than just the marketing here. I remember being asked when I was first interviewing if I was willing to help out with daily tasks around the office. I like to think I can clean up after myself and help out where needed so of course I said I was willing to help out. In the short time I have been working here I have noticed how willing everyone is to help each other out and get the work done. Everyone in the office may have a different title and each individual may excel in different areas of expertise, but at the end of the day we are a team working towards a common goal.
We have a no man left behind kind of attitude in the office. If a deadline needs to be met everyone is pitching in to help out. When books needed to be sent out everyone had a stack in their office packaging and labelling while completing their own work. When Be the Change welcome packets needed to be sent people stepped up, made goodie bags, and stuffed envelopes. As Be the Change was in full swing everyone was pitching in wherever needed, no questions asked.
It’s not just the big things we help each other out with but the little things as well. We take turns watching the front desk, answering phone calls, taking the garbage out, cleaning out the storage unit and so on. Our office works best when everyone is working together.
If you feel your company or business if lacking in the teamwork department try implementing one of these simple tips…
- Hold daily meetings:
Tell people what you are working on. If a deadline needs to be met don’t hesitate to ask for some assistance. - Offer assistance:
If you see someone struggling or someone that has a lot on their plate offer your assistance. You may not be able to help that person, but simply offering to can go a long way. - Dinners/Retreats:
Spend time together outside of the office to get to know each other and see what makes each individual function. - Create rewards or incentives:
Don’t bribe your employees, but offer rewards for working together and getting the job done. The reward could be as simple as a gift card for coffee or it could be getting out of work early. Remember that building a strong team begins with trust and clear communication. Now set your sights high and begin building! Share and Enjoy
About the Author: Suzanne Evans owner and founder of Suzanne Evans Coaching, LLC, is the tell-it-like-it-is, no fluff boss of business building. She supports, coaches, and teaches over 30,000 women enrolled in her wealth and business building programs. Having surpassed the seven figure mark herself in just over three years, she’s coached her private clients to total revenues exceeding 8 million dollars. In 2011, she launched her Global Impact Project, a not for profit serving women worldwide in education, entrepreneurship, and equality. More About Suzanne http://suzanneevans.org/2014/07/teamwork-makes-the-dream-work
