By Jim MacDonald
Creating an effective work environment begins with the leader. A team is only as great as the leader leading them. This applies in sports, the office and at home—and leaders will attract like kinds of people. Therefore leaders must be willing to separate themselves from the masses in order to create a pull.
Creating the pull begins with enthusiasm. When leaders walk in with genuine enthusiasm, the team will notice and it becomes contagious. Maybe one or two people out of ten pick up on it right away—but consistently, day after day; the whole team will feel the pull and become motivated.
People (team members), have a lion deep inside of them and powerful leaders know how to open the gates to let these lions out. You can have the greatest product and the best business plan but your team members make it work. Effectively leading the team will determine whether a business rises or falls.
Creating an effective work environment helps leaders open the lion’s gate.
Present the BIG picture to the team
The leader must first understand and be committed to the ultimate goal of the mission. The vision should be deeply ingrained in the mind of the leader. Wake him up in the middle of the night and ask what’s the mission—without even opening his eyes he’ll recite this vision.
A powerful leader will then impart the goals and vision to the rest of the team. Recognizing his understanding and commitment, the team will sense his passion and want to follow his lead.
Create an environment of excellence
In creating an environment of excellence, a positive sense of pride springs up in the team. The job takes on a different meaning. When the team understands the vision—and excellence is expected, even mundane jobs are seen as a key component to the success of the company.
Urban Meyer, Head Coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes often quotes the team must be – “9 strong”. All nine segments of the team must operate with excellence in order for the team to compete and win. Coach Meyer has created an environment of excellence.
Expect the best from the people you lead
When the team understands the big picture and the leaders have created an environment of excellence—expecting the best is a given. Too often a task is given to a team member without explaining the expectations. Assuring the team knows what’s expected, both the leader and the team members will be accountable for accomplishing excellence.
For example, when your children get out of school with their report cards do they know what to expect after you see their results?
Praise the team and recognize achievements
Honest praise goes a long way. Numerous studies confirm that people would prefer praise from their leaders more than a raise in pay. This is a sure sign that leaders don’t praise their team members often enough. Imparting praise on team members can make the difference in creating the environment of excellence.
When your child performs something well and looks at you with excitement in their voice and says “did you see that?” They’re looking for praise from someone they respect. People need praise from a leader they respect. With that in mind, a leader loses respect if they fail to give honest praise when necessary.
Create a “no failure” environment
How can any company succeed if it’s afraid to fail? The greatest successes in life were first confronted with the greatest failures. No one likes to fail but failure is part of the course for success. Leaders establish an environment of success knowing that failure is a component. Leaders encourage their team to get back up quickly after they’ve fallen—and focus back on the big picture. Keeping their eyes on the vision will make the failures less threatening.
Encourage your team to work through any failures—and don’t belittle them for it.
When teaching children to walk, we always help them back onto their feet after they’ve fallen. We certainly don’t criticize them—otherwise they may never walk.
Be a forward thinker
A powerful leader is prepared for the storms of life. He knows “life” will get in the way of the best laid plans. He isn’t caught off guard but makes the necessary adjustments and continues on course—while showing sincere empathy for any team member affected by the set back.
When a ship leaves port to cross the ocean, the captain doesn’t set a straight line course for the destination. He knows the wind and current plays a major role in the success or failure of his trip. Anticipating struggles, he continues to correct his course along the way.
Create an energetic atmosphere
A room with a high level of energy can be felt. It doesn’t have to be created by music or raising of voices. An excited, happy, enthusiastic and energetic team of people create a vibration that can be felt by others just walking in the room. It starts with leadership who exude these qualities. Team members don’t wonder what kind of mood their leader will be in—they already know.
Do your team members wait before approaching you with issues until they’ve discovered what kind of mood you’re in today?
Team members will enjoy coming to work if you apply these seven tips for creating an effective work environment.
What kind of environment have you created? Are the team members walking into their favorite stadium excited to watch their team play for the National Championship? Or, are they shuffling into a classroom they have no desire to be in?
Everyone has challenges that can affect their attitude but we must learn to check it at the door. We live in a very competitive environment where every dollar counts—however, these tips don’t cost anything but could add huge dollars to the bottom line.
