As 2024 really kicks off (let’s be honest – January doesn’t really count), leaders are setting new goals and resolutions for their teams and organisations. Your team is integral to the success and achievement of these goals. So, we’ve created a quick guide for you that looks at key strategies to keep, build, inspire and engage your team, ensuring both individual and organisational success.
1. Recognise and reinforce
It might seem obvious but it’s always best to start with the basics. Tell your team they’re doing a good job! We recommend following the ‘rule of five’, which suggests giving five times more positive reinforcement than negative feedback to your team. Recognising achievements boosts morale and fosters a positive work culture, which in turn will lead to higher engagement, increased productivity and better talent retention. It may be simple but it packs a punch!
2. Embrace the progress principle
In their book The Progress Principle, Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer explain the importance of leadersacknowledging that individuals want to feel they are moving forward. Whether through promotions, new skills, learning and development opportunities or personal growth, embrace the progress principle and help your team develop in ways that align with their goals.
3. Prioritise learning and development
Research shows that 94% of workers believe learning and development opportunities impact their role and their desire to stay with an organisation. Invest in your team’s development. Create a robust training and development plan to enhance skills and build leadership capabilities, and ensure your team stays engaged and motivated.
4. Focus on inputs, not just outputs
While achieving goals is crucial, don’t forget to examine the activities leading to success. Look at the inputs – calls made, effective meetings, lessons learned. Focusing on both lead and lag indicators ensures a more comprehensive understanding of your team’s success and shows them that it’s about more than just the end result.
5. Foster connection, belonging and fun
Culture Amp’s COO Sally Bruce emphasises the importance of a sense of belonging for increased productivity and engagement. Evaluate how connected and engaged your team feels. Do you have fun together? Do you feel like a team? Cultivate a sense of belonging, inject fun into the workplace, and watch productivity soar.
6. Prioritise mental health awareness
Recognise the impact of stress and burnout on your team. Invest in mental health awareness training and work to ensure you’re providing a psychologically safe workplace. By supporting your team’s well-being and prioritising their mental health you’re also helping to contribute to higher productivity and improved retention.
7. Clarify roles and purpose
Amidst rapid changes both at work and in life generally it is essential to clarify each team member’s role and purpose. Spend time with your team members discussing organisational goals, instilling confidence in what their role is in the bigger picture, and providing the clarity needed for success in the upcoming year, both for them and the organisation.
8. Understand what’s in it for them
In a talent-driven market, employees seek value beyond just a salary. Consider what motivates your team members to stay – for example, recognition, learning opportunities and a positive work environment. Are you providing your team with what they need?
9. Communicate effectively
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful team. Our Peeplcoach leadership programs explore Kim Scott’s Radical Candor to help improve and develop communication skills for leaders. By fostering real connections through open, honest, and curious communication you and your team will reap the benefits.
10. Be an inspiring leader
The number one reason people leave organisations is poor leadership. So don’t be the reason your team leaves. Reflect on your leadership style, identify areas for improvement, invest in leadership training or coaching for yourself if necessary and strive to be an inspiring leader who builds loyalty, engagement and retention.
A great leader’s role should extend beyond achieving organisational goals and meeting metrics. People and team should be at the centre. By prioritising recognition, learning and development, well-being and effective communication, we can build high-performing teams that thrive in 2024 and smash those goals!
