• Posted on Feb 22, 2020

You can’t lead from a safe distance.

The first thing a next level leader does to encourage his or her team members to achieve individual success is to get involved. A next level leader is in there with the team every day. Your team needs to know that you are in this together, that you care, and that you are noticing what’s going on in their work environment. So how are you supposed to know everything that’s happening in their work environment, how they are feeling, and what they need from you to succeed? It’s easier than you think – just ask.

Create time alone for each team member on a regular basis.

It can be as easy as a ten minute check-in to see how things are going. Remember, everyone loves to be asked their opinion. It’s human nature. Each team member needs to know that you value their opinions and ideas – that you view them as someone with something important to contribute.

The “Take 10” Check-In

There are only three questions you need to ask in the “Take 10” Check-In.

1. How do you think the team is doing

2. How can things be improved?

3. How are YOU doing?

During the check-in, write down the team member’s comments to show that you’re serious, and to keep you on track of any particular concerns they may have. And at the end of the check-in, make sure that you communicate something positive that you have observed recently in their work.

If you made this process a habit…

* What outcomes would you expect?

* How would employees begin to feel about themselves? Their job?  

* How would they begin to feel about YOU?

* What benefits will YOU experience?

Adopting the “Take 10” Check-In will increase your communications by ensuring regular and on-going conversations with the members of your team. These regular and on-going conversation will assist you with enhancing and maintaining collaborative working relationships, for accomplishing departmental/organizational goals, for reinforcing performance expectations, and for fostering next level growth and success.