Three Steps to Using Your Team Effectively

Top-performing leaders know how to ensure that “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” 

They clarify the organization’s goals but believe in collaboration.  Working with their teams, they solicit broad information and different perspectives.  And it goes beyond talk:  they create an environment in which team members are accountable for their contribution to success.

There is no “I” in TEAM.

The best leaders intentionally look for people they consider smarter than themselves. They deliberately form teams of people with divergent ideas because they know there are many ways to accomplish the mission.  It is from this variety of opinions that they often find the most effective approaches to achieve their goals.

It takes humility to recall that we are not the center of the universe.

Leader humility means feeling and displaying a deep regard for the personal dignity of others. It begins with recognizing the genuine worth of others and knowing they value their own sense of self-worth.  When they feel they aren’t “seen” or don’t matter, they will not fully engage with the leader’s goals.

So, a leader’s humility allows people to feel valued and heard.

They will then respect the leader and work toward a mutually positive outcome. They will feel like contributors and less like minions. And, when a decision is made, they are more likely to support its implementation.

The best leaders optimize teamwork in decision-making.

They rely on these steps:

• Offer a compelling vision to gain the team’s commitment.  Visions are compelling when they solve significant problems, advance benefits, or provide growth for all.

• Invite the team’s input, letting them know their ideas matter. 

  • Be specific about what you want the team to provide: data, ideas, analysis, or recommendations.

  • Be clear about whether you want the team to make a decision or whether they will provide input for you (or other leaders) to make a decision.

• Finally, clarify boundaries for their work.  This should include deadlines to be met, as well as financial, regulatory, or other constraints the team needs to consider.

Clear expectations coupled with empowered team members is the recipe for creative solutions and success.

Have you helped your team feel like colleagues or minions?

And that’s The Gist of It™ - Ideas to advance dignity, practice humility, and develop leaders of character and integrity.

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Marilyn Gist, PhD