Newsletter - January 2005

THE TOP TEN WAYS TO MAKE YOUR TEAM A SUCCESS IN 2005

If you are a business owner, manager team leader or simply a team member here are the top ten ways to make 2005 the best year ever for your team.

1. Make sure your team has a clear vision and everyone understands what it is and how you are going to make it happen
2. Communicate regularly with everyone in the team. Check in with your staff or co workers and find out what’s happening in their world.
3. Schedule and hold regular team meetings. A micro meeting for 5 minutes each day and a longer meeting once a fortnight is a good start.
4. Make allowances for the fact that everyone in the team is different to you. Figure out how they like to make decisions and give them information in the way they like to receive it.
5. Get clear about your role in the team and do it well.
6. Manage your time well. Use a To Do list, set priorities on the list and stick to your priorities.
7. Say thank you. Recognise the efforts of your team members and co workers. A little recognition and thanks goes a loooong way!
8. Understand what your personal values are and those that the team aspires to. Be aware that they may differ and understand how that may impact on you.
9. Set team standards that everyone in the team agrees to and stick to them.
10. Listen, listen, listen. Take the time to listen before you jump in with your response. Respect others opinions and give them the opportunity to air them.

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WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR 2005?

Some people would say "Why do I have to have a vision for the year, why not just let life happen?" Having a clear vision for the year allows you to direct the events in your life rather than having life direct you. A lot of people float along in corporate life waiting for something to happen and then complain when it does. Unfortunately for them, it's not what they wanted.

Creating a clear vision and setting some goals to make that vision a reality allows us to take charge and make things happen, they way we want them to.

I was working with a new coaching client recently reviewing their progress in business to date and mapping out what we would work on together in the coaching sessions. He confessed that he had never really taken the time to sit down and write down what it was he wanted to achieve with his business or his personal life. He said “Oh, I usually have my most creative thoughts while I’m out driving the car. I come up with lots of ideas but most of them never turn into much more than good ideas.” There was no rhyme or reason to his process just a series of thoughts and disjointed actions.

Where are you now in your business or career? Ask your self these questions:

• What is my vision?
• What areas must I exercise control over and get results in to ensure that I achieve my overall objective?
• What areas of activity if properly conducted will produce the greatest results?
• What areas if neglected will sabotage results?

Once you have answered these questions, ask yourself?

• What has to be done?
• Who will do it?
• By when?

Now the rubber hits the road. Plan each day’s actions to achieve the task which achieves the goal which achieves your overall objective.

Take action, get started today and have a great 2005.