A good leadership tactic when working on any project is to have a weekly “wrap-up” meeting at the end of the week to assess how teams are coming together. Effective leaders use the following 10 things to encourage cooperation and success among team members.
1. “Thanks for all you’re doing.”
Great leaders express their gratitude for what a team is doing right. Instead of concentrating on the negatives, a great leader lets his or her team know what is being done correctly. In being gracious, teams are spurred forward rather than being brow beaten for that which has not been accomplished. Starting the weekly wrap-up on a positive note helps pave the way for discussing the negative.
2. “Here’s what’s happening…”
Give an overall picture of what is happening with each team. Teams work better when each knows what the other is doing. It also prevents undue overlap of teamwork and gives focus to each team. Show the work each team is doing and the opportunities and challenges encountered. Note that units comprise the whole of the work that needs to be done.
3. “These are the challenges we are facing…”
Listing out problems as challenges keeps the meeting on a positive note. Each team needs to be well-informed of the big picture, as well as have a firm grasp on what the team’s objectives are. Note obstacles and how best to move forward. Hopefully, there is enough trust built in the teams to be able to talk about their team’s unique challenges.
4. “These are our objectives…”
Although there is a place for the big picture, teams should remain focused on their objectives. These smaller goals should have reasonable end dates and should be checked on every week.
5. “These are our weaknesses…”
This is the time to discuss any problems that are being encountered by the team. Talk about obstacles and what needs to be done to overcome them. This is also a great time to brainstorm on ways to overcome identified weaknesses.
6. “What do you think…?”
Keep the team on its toes by asking for their opinions on an area of their expertise. This kind of question also makes for good brain storming and may lead to answering tough challenges that are being encountered. Culling ideas from team members also lets them know that you trust them.
7. “Here’s what I think…”
The teams will be all ears to hear what you think of their work. Here is a good time to insert constructive criticism. Let the teams know, again, exactly what is expected of them and why. Team members will want to know where you stand on issues that affect team work.
8. “This is what our competition is doing…”
As the leader you can provide insights into what the competition is doing. In those cases where your teams are outdoing the competition, make your teams aware of both the good and the bad. When comparing the competition to your teams, point out what is being done right and wrong to your team members.
9. “May I introduce…”
There may be frequent turnover as the team progresses. In such cases, always be sure to introduce the new team members or take the time to say goodbye to those who are leaving. It may be difficult to say good-bye to a teammate, especially if the person is being laid off. However, acknowledging the comings and goings of team members creates a more solid team.
10. “Congratulations!”
Just as the session began on a positive note, be sure to end on one.
