b) there’s no such thing as a “bad” idea — at this phase.
Later, after all ideas have been listed, the group can select
the idea most likely to succeed. This approach helps team
members listen for one another’s good ideas and gives
everyone a chance to contribute to a team solution without
fear of criticism.
When it comes to facilitating the team’s ability to handle
its own problems, the best way is to simply do that:
facilitate, don’t solve. Instead of suggesting or telling a
solution, revert to your StaffCoach™ questioning ability:
How do you see it? What could you do? Think about what
you just said. Do this enough and they get the idea: It
really is their problem.
A good team always can accomplish more than any one
individual. Once employees learn the benefits and ways of
working together, they’ll integrate their strengths and
talents to accomplish results.- Build in rewards for achievement.
When your schedule is so tight you can’t eat lunch without
feeling guilty, the day is not only less productive — it’s no
fun. Team members experience the same sense of
drudgery — and they are often less free to step off the
treadmill (by delegating tasks, etc.) than you are. Fun is a
major recruitment plus in today’s marketplace where
organizations are vying for the best talent. Potential team
members question recruiters about the environment they
will be entering: What is the team like? Who are the stars?
What can I learn? How do they balance work and home?
What do they do for fun?
Fun and celebration are StaffCoach™ tools. They can pull
the best talent into your team, provide the light at the end
of a stressful time, and bring the team together into an
integrated unit. Laughing is a bonding experience. The
potential for errors, low morale and employee burnout is
great in today’s high-pressure world. Regularly consider
how you can provide team relief from a priority-intensive
schedule. Here are a few suggestions.
Coaching, Mentoring and Managing6
“Common sense is
very uncommon.”
— Horace Greeley