Leadership is thought of as the art and science of getting the best out of someone else. However, how can you lead someone you don’t know?
Leadership must start with building relationships with deeper connections. Take a moment and think about your team who reports to you.
Answer these questions about your people:
- Do you know who they are?
- What do you know about them?
- What motivates them to get out of bed and come into work every day?
- Are they fulfilling a job they love or is this job a steppingstone to something else?
Years ago, I led a team that was a bit transient, meaning they typically lasted under four years. I made it a goal to build a deep relationship with them as soon as they came onto my team. It was my job to build a bridge for them between what they were doing for me in the short-term and what was going to connect them to their long-term goals.
Focusing on relationships helps bring out the best in your team members and allows them see things in themselves they might not have otherwise acknowledged. This makes teams highly effective.
Answer these questions about yourself:
- What do you know about your people?
- Do you know what upsets them or breaks their heart?
- Do you know what makes them sing or ignites passion in them?
- Do you know what their strengths and weaknesses are?
If you can learn the answers to these questions, you are well on your way to building better relationships and deeper connections which draws out the best in your team.
