Guiding your Team

Your role is to be their "coach"

Some managers think that setting the strategic direction and preparing their team for change is sufficient, but to get the best out of your team you need to provide guidance as the change progresses. Your role is to be their "coach" -- to review their progress, help them to find ways to perform their new tasks better, offer encouragement and reward success.

Ask your self, am I supporting my staff in their new roles?

• Have I been clear in helping my team understand what needs to happen to deliver the new strategy?
• Have my team confirmed that they understand their new roles?
• Have I scheduled time to monitor the team as it move forward?
• Have I set aside time to make myself available to answer questions and to provide reassurance?
• Have I ensured that the organizational systems that are in place encourage the new behaviors necessary to implement the change, and will not drag the team back into their old ways?
• Have I devised ways in which to reward success?

ACTION POINT: Engage your team through coaching to provide guidance.