The best performers in any given particular profession are usually exceptionally good at what they do. Not only are they exceptional performers, they’re great networkers and they’re trusted subject matter experts.
Often these people find that their success no longer depends purely on what they do but also on their ability to manage and get the best from those around them.
For some it can be a struggle especially if they are an introvert or not particularly ego-centric.
Some simple behaviours can however make a big difference to being successful.
Manage how you are viewed
This is a strange suggestion for some, but one really needs to make the most of ones’ role and recognise that one may be doing a different job from simply being proficient or knowledgeable. This is particularly true if you have been promoted to a managerial position which involves supervising people or processes.
One of the common mistakes people make after transitioning to a new role is to spend all of their time doing what they have done before and not focusing on cultivating relationships and the external perspective of them in their new role and function.
Teams are just groups of people
If you want to effectively motivate a team, you need to understand what motivates people. Remember t you only represent yourself and a sliver of the business community, your team don’t necessarily have the same views, background and aspirations as you – as a consequence some of the things that might motivate you will not necessarily motivate others – they may in fact be irksome and annoying.
The main challenge with teams is ensuring that there is alignment on goals and expectations so you should make your expectations clear up front and help them to meet those expectations by making it clear on some of the ways that they can be successful.
- Set achievable and measurable goals and deadlines
- Makes ‘promises ‘ and commitments and keep them
- Provide feedback and status updates
- Engage in diverse activities that are not single threaded or monotonous
- Grow intellectually and in relation to your skills and experience
- Sustain an element of fun and lightheartedness to the job – take time to have a laugh
- Maintain a work life balance.
