Communication and collaboration are two of the key skills every successful manager must possess. Successful managers are aware of the steps they can take and tools they can use to improve the team’s communication, collaboration and performance. In addition to using online collaboration tools such as social intranet software, the manager should have the following eight good habits that will make him an effective manager:
Focus on the ‘Why’.
Starting with ‘why’ is a paradigm for leadership success. The answer to the ‘why’ defines the team’s purpose and work. The team members need to know what they are doing and why they are doing. How is their work tied to the larger business goals, the manager’s goals and client’s goals? This gives a purpose that keeps them motivated.
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The following are the three ways the ‘why’ of your work can be highlighted:
- Focus on the impact of your work on the client’s business.
- Align the work with other team members and the broader business goals.
- Emphasize how an employee’s work is aligned to his own broader goals for skill development and career growth.
Involve team members while setting objectives and goals.
It is important for the manager and the team members to be aware of SMART goals. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-related. However, this paradigm does not discuss the importance of collaboration while setting goals and objectives. Most of the time, the boss chooses the target without getting much input from the team. For the boss, it is all about meeting its goals. However, this approach overlooks team members. As a manager, you can pick goals that are not only aligned with the business objectives but also with the personal and career growth of team members. You need to recognize the value of collaborating while setting goals as team members feel involved and satisfied.
Collaborate while assigning specific roles within the team.
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A LinkedIn survey reveals an alarming statistic that shows that 54% of employees leave the industry because they don’t get many career development opportunities. As a manager, you don’t want your team members to leave because they don’t see career growth in the organization. When you are setting project roles, you can use a collaborative approach to find the solution to this problem. Consider the broader career aspirations while setting roles. A junior developer wants to work on new technology. Let him work with a senior developer.
Develop signature relationship practices.
If you want your team to be most collaborative, you need to have signature practices. These practices are memorable for the team but replication by others is difficult. These signature practices are suitable for the business environment. Take British Petroleum as an example. The organization rotates executives so that they can work on different positions across the organization. Executives learn to take new roles. This also brings diversity to the team. You can implement similar practices within your team. You can encourage team members to use a common channel available with social intranet software.
Make Mentorship a Habit
You have to be a great teacher if you want to be a great leader. You should spend time with your team members so that they can learn technical skills, business principles, general tactics, leadership skills and life lessons from you.
Focus on Personalities
The following are the two roles a team member plays:
- Functional roles are based on knowledge, skills and experience.
- Psychological roles are based on personality.
Focus on both skills and personality of a team member.
Facilitate Communication
You may have team members with great personalities and skills. However, not all team members are good at communication and collaboration. This is where you have to step in. You should also use social intranet software. To facilitate communication, you should:
- Emphasize high-value communication
- Focus on communication energy
- Encourage non-work communication.
Use Collaboration Tool
Use cloud-based social intranet software that facilitates communication and collaboration. It should have features that allow you to share documents, tag others, and more.
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