M4 L5 Supporting Team Performance

Summary

Leading a team involves both operational and people aspects. Start with a meta-analysis to understand team dynamics using Richard Hackman's team diagnostic survey, assessing six conditions of team effectiveness. Use the GROW framework for coaching and structure one-on-one meetings for performance reviews. Recognize achievements and plan team-building activities to enhance cohesion and collaboration. Employ awards and recognition systems to motivate team members. Foster development and a positive work environment through thoughtful leadership practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leading a team involves both operational support and ensuring team motivation and value.
• 🔍 Conduct a meta-analysis to understand the team's dynamics, communication patterns, decision-making processes, and alignment with organizational values.
• 📊 Use the Team Diagnostic Survey by Richard Hackman to assess team effectiveness across six conditions: real teams, compelling direction, right people, sound structure, support context, and available coaching.
• 🛠 The survey helps identify areas of strength and improvement, guiding coaching efforts and aligning the team with organizational goals.
• 🌟 Coaching and mentoring are crucial for team support; use the GROW framework (Goal, Reality, Opportunity, Will) for structured coaching sessions.
• 📝 Create a coaching contract to establish a safe space for personal development discussions, ensuring trust and emotional safety.
• 🔑 Set specific, actionable goals for team members that align with broader objectives, and encourage commitment to personal and team growth.
• 🗓️ Structure one-on-one performance reviews to include well-being checks, performance review, and action planning for continuous improvement.
• 🏆 Implement awards and recognition to acknowledge hard work, dedication, and create a positive work environment.
• 🤝 Organize team building activities to foster cohesion and collaboration, using the five C's of team building (Communication, Collaboration, Commitment, Culture, Celebration).
• 💡 Reflect on past leaders you appreciated and ensure your team has ample opportunities for development and progress.

Q & A

What are the two main aspects of leading a team as mentioned in the script?

The two main aspects of leading a team are the operational aspect, which involves supporting the team to perform at its best, and the people aspect, which focuses on ensuring team members feel motivated, valued, and willing to go the extra mile for the team.

What is a meta-analysis of a team and how does it help a leader?

A meta-analysis of a team is a process that helps understand the deeper dynamics within the team, such as communication patterns, decision-making processes, and alignment with organizational values. It allows a leader to enhance team cohesion, improve decision making, and pinpoint areas for growth and opportunities.

What is the Team Diagnostic Survey and how does it assess team effectiveness?

The Team Diagnostic Survey is a tool developed by Richard Hackman that assesses teams across six conditions to determine their effectiveness: real teams, compelling direction, right people, sound structure, support context, and available coaching. It helps leaders identify areas of strength and improvement within the team.

What is the GROW framework for coaching and how is it used in team development?

The GROW framework stands for Goal, Reality, Opportunity, and Will or willingness to grow. It is used in coaching to help individuals set specific, actionable goals for development, discuss their current reality, identify opportunities for skill enhancement, and encourage commitment to personal and team growth.

Why is it important to create a safe space during coaching sessions?

Creating a safe space during coaching sessions is important because it helps individuals feel at ease when sharing their thoughts and concerns. It fosters trust and leads to deeper engagement with the coaching process, which is essential for effective outcomes.

What is the significance of setting a coaching contract with team members?

Setting a coaching contract with team members is significant because it outlines the terms of personal development, assures confidentiality, and establishes a foundation for a trusting and supportive coaching relationship.

How should one-to-one performance reviews be structured according to the script?

One-to-one performance reviews should be structured with an introduction and well-being check, a discussion of personal or professional updates, a performance review with constructive feedback, and action planning with realistic, measurable goals and specific steps.

What is the purpose of awards and recognition in a team setting?

Awards and recognition serve to acknowledge hard work and dedication, create a positive and engaging work environment, and motivate team members to continue performing at a high level.

Why are team building activities important for team performance?

Team building activities are important for creating a cohesive and collaborative work environment, enhancing communication, and fostering a shared sense of culture and celebration, which ultimately contributes to team performance.

What are the five C's of team building mentioned in the script?

The five C's of team building are Communication, Collaboration, Commitment, Culture, and Celebration. These elements are used to design structured activities that promote teamwork and enhance team dynamics.

How can leaders reflect on their approach to supporting their team?

Leaders can reflect on their approach by thinking back to leaders they have appreciated in the past, considering what made those leaders effective, and applying those insights to ensure they are producing results while also ensuring team members are happy and willing to work within the team.