Every manager or leader knows and understands that if they are going to achieve results they need to get the best from each and every member of their team. It all sounds simple on the face of it and yet many managers and leaders in the NHS and more widely struggle to manage a team.
There are several reasons for this in my experience.
Reason 1: They Don’t Make It A Priority
We all know people are busy. It is all too easy to get caught up in doing and forget about the importance of looking after people. Some might say they don’t have enough time. The reality is everyone has exactly the same amount of time. The difference is some make it a priority to make time for their team.
Reason 2: You Think You Know Best
You are talented without a doubt. That is why you have progressed in your career. On the other hand you cannot be the best at everything. It is easy and tempting to believe that all the best contributions need to come from you. The good news is this is not the case.
Reason 3: You Only Know People At A Surface Level
One of the most common issues people raise with me is that those they manage are not motivated. When I ask them what motivates the different people on their teams they look at me blankly and admit they don’t know. You have to get to know people and find out how to get the best from them.
Reason 4: You Don’t Trust Them
If you keep giving people a message that you don’t trust them, then eventually they will disengage. It can be hard to let go and trust in others. If you don’t you will never get their full support.
Reason 5: You Don’t Set Clear Expectations
It amazes me how many managers never take time to sit down and set out clear expectations in terms of what is to be delivered. If people don’t know what is expected of them, they spend valuable time trying to figure it out. This is wasting resource and talent at your disposal.
Reason 6: You Procrastinate
You have to think through things before you make decisions. That is good practice. sitting on the fence and procrastinating on the other hand just frustrates people.
Reason 7: You Don’t Involve Them
People want to be included and involved. Now you might say it takes too long. It certainly will take a little longer. The upside is that you will be much more likely to get their buy in to key decisions.
Reason 8: You Don’t Give Recognition
People want to see and hear that the effort they put in is appreciated and valued. Yet many managers don’t bother to to this.
The Bottom Line: How you manage your team has a huge impact on your results.
Duncan Brodie is Managing Director of Goals and Achievements and helps NHS professionals to get better at managing and leading. He invites you to sign up for his free report setting out the 10 Biggest Management Mistakes That Impact On Performance In the NHS