by Kermit Burley, Demand Media
Developing and growing your team is one of the most important
activities that a small-business manager can perform. Learning and developing
skills and techniques to improve the performance of your employees is essential
for both your success and the future success of your business. Skills in
coaching, mentoring and team building help to make this possible; mastering
these techniques is critical. Your team must be developed and prepared for both
today's challenges and the assignments that await them in the future.
Coaching
Just as sports coaches inspire their teams to success, so should
corporate managers. Coaching begins by setting expectations. Let your team know
exactly what you want them to accomplish, and articulate these goals as clearly
as possible. Once expectations are set, provide feedback as frequently as it's
needed. In his book "The One Minute Manager," Ken Blanchard calls
feedback "the breakfast of champions." After you provide feedback on
performance, support your people whenever possible. Knowing that you're there
to help is essential for your employees' continued success.
Mentoring
Mentoring involves a more senior executive helping to develop a
new or less-experienced associate. This relationship usually lasts for an
entire career, during which the senior manager shares her knowledge, skills and
insights with the less-experienced employee. It's critical that the manager and
employee mesh well together. Lunch and dinner meetings, as well as after-work
discussions, need to be continuously scheduled. Once established, the mentor
and the trainee need to speak meet or speak frequently: The senior member of
the team shares his experiences and advice with the trainee and also serves as
a sounding board when needed.
Team Building
A great way to build morale and camaraderie in your company is to
employ team-building activities and concepts with your employees.Team-building
courses are usually held off-site and involve every member of your staff.
Outdoor challenge programs range from ropes or obstacle courses, where team
members overcome obstacles by working together; to simpler problem-solving
games that encourage creative thinking. The goal of your team-building program
should be to bring your team closer and learn how to work together effectively
for the success of your company.
Making It Work
Coaching, mentoring and team building are all designed to help
your people grow and develop. Choosing the right program or system for your
company should begin by searching for programs that will help you accomplish
your specific goals. Search for vendors and consultants that offer these
programs; seek references to verify their successes and objectives. Speak with
a number of graduates of their programs and compare their experiences to what
you're seeking to accomplish. Every organization is different --- carefully
craft your goals prior to beginning any program.
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