How Does Your Leadership Impact Team Performance?

Jan 25, 2013

Last week I had the opportunity to be a panelist alongside executives from Texas Health Resources, Methodist Healthcare System and Conifer Health Solutions on the topic of creating high performing teams. As I prepared, I found myself making a list of a few key things any leader should think about:

1. Connecting the Dots

Remember that as a leader, you are always in the invisible spotlight. People are watching and listening, and constantly drawing conclusions about what it all means. Proactively communicate how you measure success and consistently connect the dots between your actions and your underlying intent. The more you do this, the less others will misunderstand your expectations and desired outcomes.

2. Set the right tone

Are you a leader who shields your group from the pressures that come from senior executives or does it filter straight through you to your team? Recognize that how you show up sets the tone for the team. What do you look and sound like when you are under stress? Ask someone to give you feedback if you are unsure. Be mindful that your energy, positive or negative, can be contagious.

Help others see how what they do on a daily basis ties to the bigger picture. Give them specific feedback that allows them to understand how they are making a difference in the context of the overall business strategy and direction. To take it one step further, point out what they should keep, start, or stop doing to be more effective.