Leadership Lesson: Know Thy Team
Effective leadership hinges on a deep, fundamental understanding of those we lead. In this exploration of leadership, we delve into a crucial lesson: knowing thy team.
Allow me to share a personal story that illuminates the transformative power of truly understanding your team members.
Back in my startup days, I encountered a couple of bosses who initially mistook my calm demeanor for reservation or weakness. Comments like "You're too calm" or "You're too soft" were not uncommon. In time, they would come to realize that beneath my cool collected exterior lay a mind brimming with calculated strategies and insights. And, that softness can be a superpower. This experience taught me firsthand how truly critical it is to understand your team members.
Being misjudged and treated as such by one’s leader can be a significant barrier to personal and professional growth. It can undermine confidence and hinder one's ability to thrive in their role. However, by embracing the principles of authentic leadership and taking the time to truly understand those we lead, we can optimize our leadership and create environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. In layman’s terms: lack of leadership equates to lack of growth, good leadership ignites potential and growth.
Did you know that close-knit teams, steeped in mutual understanding and trust, are statistically more likely to exceed performance expectations and drive greater profitability in business?
Drawing from my own experience - both as a leader and being led - I've learned that consistently showing up and being present for your team is absolutely vital. If you’re not showing up, why would they? As leaders, we set the tone and the intention across our team.
During my time in the startup world, I made it a priority to show up to all meetings on time, be available for questions and guidance, and foster open and honest communication. By asking about my team's motivations, aspirations, and personal interests, I was able to develop deeper connections and understand what truly mattered to them and eventually tailor opportunities that matched their desires. This approach was extremely well received and will be with your team too.
Let's explore actionable strategies for cultivating meaningful connections with your team:
Consistently show up and be present to establish reliability, respect, and trust.
Foster open communication by being approachable and available for questions, guidance, and feedback.
Seek to understand your team members on a deeper level by asking about their motivations, aspirations, and personal interests.
Reinforce positive behaviors and achievements to nurture a supportive and empowering environment. There will always be 2mm shifts, opportunity zones, ways to better — ensure you’re highlighting what’s going well now too, and moreso than what needs to be improved.
Provide timely, constructive feedback to facilitate continuous growth and development.
Through my journey of understanding my team on a deeper level, I discovered hidden talents and potential that had previously gone unnoticed. By fostering psychological safety and empowering my team members to share ideas and fully own what they worked on, we were able to cultivate a close-knit team that trusted one another. This sense of trust led to increased productivity, innovation, and overall satisfaction.
The benefits of connecting with your team extend far beyond the surface. By truly understanding your team members, you can:
Uncover hidden talents and potential that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Foster psychological safety, empowering team members to share ideas, take risks, and collaborate more effectively.
Cultivate a close-knit team that trusts one another, leading to increased productivity, innovation, and overall satisfaction.
As I reflect on my own journey, I'm reminded of the profound impact that understanding my team has had on my leadership effectiveness AND how much I grew from leaders that exhibited the same. By fostering authentic connections with those we lead, we’re better able to create a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous growth. I encourage you to embrace the timeless wisdom of "Know Thy Team" and unlock the full potential of your leadership.
So, invest the time in getting to know your A-team on a deeper level. You never know what hidden brilliance you might uncover or ignite.
Ready to enhance your leadership skills and deepen your understanding of your team? Schedule a complimentary coaching session today and take your leadership to new heights.
To Your Success,
Katie, Founder & Coach of The Bluesky Way
