How do you build a high performance team?
15 September 09Do you get frustrated with your staff because they don't achieve what you think they should? Are they obtaining satisfactory results, but you would like to supercharge their performance? Why do successful businesses such as Facebook and Red Balloon Days do so well? It is because of their team. Here are a few tips on increasing the performance of your team:
Set job descriptions for all staff – this gives each team member the framework for them to work within. One of the biggest frustrations for staff is when their job changes all the time and they are unsure of what they should be doing or not doing.
Set performance standards – Giving staff guidelines and targets to aim for will give them something to focus on. When providing these performance standards, also ensure that you provide the tools and framework to enable them to achieve the standards. For example, you may need to have procedures on what needs to be done to achieve the performance targets.
Get the team involved on how they can improve – This allows the team to take ownership of their own actions and results. They may even come up with idea's you hadn't even thought of!
Be rewarding – You have heard of the comment – ‘you get what you pay for' and that applies to staff also. If they do a good job, reward them for it.
Provide a good working environment - We spend a lot of time at work, so make it an enjoyable place to be. Provide a good place for them to eat their lunch, be flexible with work hours, encourage respect between staff and set up a social club. These are a few ideas which are not hard to implement in a work place, but can make a huge difference.
Give feedback – Say thank you when they do a good job. Have regular staff reviews to provide one on one feedback on how they are performing and listen to any ideas or issues they may have.
Lead by example – Ingvar Kamprad (Ikea) said, ‘If there is such thing as good leadership, it is to give a good example.' If you expect your team to act or behave in a certain way, you are the one they look to for setting that example.
Having staff is not always easy. Communication is the key to help you get through the hard times, as well as boosts them to achieve their best. Provide them with the tools and framework to do well and you will begin to see some great results.
PJT ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS ADVISORS
07 5413 9300
www.pjtaccountants.com.au