"X" Is For Xtra
/As always, I want to offer my sincere apology to Sue Grafton for using (stealing??) her approach for the titles of her many outstanding mystery novels for this series of articles that I hope makes YOU a happier and more effective leader working with a truly empowered team that really enjoys what they do! Oh, and if you have not read any of Ms. Grafton’s novels I highly recommend that you give her a try.
And PLEASE excuse the liberty that I took with the spelling of the word “eXtra!”
How to get Xtra Stuff Done with Less – It Can Be Done!
As a Middle you will go through periods of budget cuts and staff reductions and still be expected to continue to “get the work done” by your Senior or you will simply have periods of having more work requests than your team can handle. This is like getting EXTRA stuff done with fewer resources, but I suggest that this can be done if you and your Teamers adopt some basic core values to develop POSITIVE working relationships between all the members of your teams.
“Man who says, ‘It cannot be done’, Should not interrupt man who is doing it.”
- Chinese Proverb
For well over 30 years, I had the quote above hung on the wall of my office and took time each morning to read and reflect on it, sort of a way to start my day off in the right direction.
Getting more done with less – here’s how I suggest that you CAN do it! I suggest that you instill these core values for your team for “good” working relationships with all of the members of your team. Yes, there is lots of work to do with fewer folks but these common sense activities and ideas help folks do more with less and get along better too.
Time Off - Encourage vacation time for recharging. Give extra time off as a reward once things settle down for your Teamers who worked extra hours (we called it “comp time”). This helps prevent Teamer burnout.
Communicate – Work continuously to get to know your Teamers better on a personal level by having One-on-One sessions, Performance Reviews and just by walking around and talking with them. The goal is to have your Teamers feel better about you AND the Organization.
Have Empathy - Have concern for one another. Look out for one another. Help one another out when you can. That means ALL teamers. If one part of your Team is over worked ask other members to help them out if possible. Have activities or volunteer work for team building and bonding.
Volunteer and Take Risks - Volunteer, collaborate and be flexible. Take on tasks and jobs that aren’t specifically spelled out in your job responsibilities. It’s a chance to learn new things and improve your contribution and value to the Organization.
Keep Target Dates - Keeping deadlines and commitments is more important now since Organizations are typically doing more with less. Ask Teamers to work extra if necessary and let them do the work from home if they can.
Don’t Be Selfish - Share credit for group tasks and make sure to give out accolades to those that deserve it. Take time to THANK your Teamers publicly in team meetings.
Admit a Problem - If you see a problem, be the first to admit it and encourage your Teamers to do the same. Hiding a problem simply will make things worse. Drag it out from that dark corner to let everyone see it; DON’T assign blame and then work together to fix it. This also includes a “problem” performer if you have one. You MUST take action to address a Teamer who is not performing up to expectations AND your other Teamers will recognize and appreciate your efforts!
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
– Nelson Mandela
I wish you empowerment, peace, happiness and every success!! Jonesy