How to build a team that drives results

Building and maintaining a productive team is, at times, challenging for every leader. It can be even more challenging for a new leader. But with the right set of leadership skills every leader can build a high-performing team that drives results. Recently we conducted an annual Employee Opinion Survey for a major healthcare chain. One department at the regional office scored significantly lower under the leadership of a new director. Specific concerns stated by both leaders and team members included:

• Significant decline in morale
• Lack of cross-departmental teamwork between managers
• Employees are unhappy with being held accountable to new standards, and feeling they were being treated unfairly
• A lot of gossip among employees and a lack of focus on the strategic direction of the department
• Director and managers were all frustrated that employees seemed to be fighting against doing the right thing and getting the job done

We’ve heard these same concerns over and over from client after client. If one of your leaders is suffering from these conditions, help them follow the steps outlined below to build a stronger team, improve the relationships between managers and their employees, and increase productivity.

1. Conduct an assessment that includes one-on-one interviews with the director, managers and employees to obtain more information about the leader’s and the department’s strengths and opportunities
2. Present the assessment findings and recommendations to both the management team and all employees
3. Provide executive coaching support to the director and members of the management team
4. Clarify and crystallize the department’s vision and top strategic goals and communicate the vision and top strategic goals to all employees
5. Communicate to all employees each month the status of accomplishing the department’s strategic goals
6. Outline individual goals and have managers ensure that each employee is clear on his or her goals and how they are aligned to the goals of the department and organization
7. Conduct team building sessions with the management team
8. Provide team building training for all employees
9. Provided leadership skills training to all managers and supervisors
10. Coach managers to provide formal and individual recognition to employees who are meeting or exceeding goals
11. Train managers to effectively coach, counsel and train employees who are not meeting performance standards
12. Hold everyone accountable to accomplishing their individual goals and supporting the goals of their coworkers

We worked with the new leader mentioned at the beginning of this article to implement the action steps listed above. One year from the start of the project, another engagement survey was conducted. This time, the department went from worst to first in their division. Productivity also significantly increased. The Vice President and Director both acknowledged that this process was hard work, but the results were well worth the effort. This department now functions as a cohesive and productive team focused on achieving its strategic goals. The director is now a leader everyone wants to follow.

Do you find yourself or one of your leaders in need of boosting the energy and productivity of team members? Would your team or entire organization benefit from having more happy and engaged employees? Call us for more information about building a results-driven team.