In any organization, success fundamentally relies on the efficacy and productivity of its teams. Thus, it's safe to say that nowadays, the old saying "what gets measured, gets managed" is more relevant than ever.
But the challenge lies in identifying and implementing the right measures to gauge team performance. And truth be told, the traditional ways companies assess performance often fall short. Simply put metrics like productivity, output, and burndown are useful but not always enough. This is especially true when dealing with intricate tasks.
Then how can leaders make sure that their teams are motivated and engaged? Here is our take on the matter.
In a complex work environment, sometimes the simplest question can provide the most enlightening insights. Instead of just relying on hard data, one can ask the team: "How are you today?" Yes, such a simple question is open-ended. Therefore, invites honesty and discussion.
However, by popping this question, management should actively listen to responses without being judgmental. Only by doing so can they promote a safe space for dialogue. One that can provide a deeper understanding of the project's status and the team's feelings about their progress.
The next step should be to value and act on the team's suggestions on how to improve their work environment. As a manager, you should empower your team to drive meaningful change. Because, let's face it, being closest to the task, they will likely provide the most relevant and practical improvements.
Using this approach, a team can quickly move from uncertainty to a confident, progressing state. More importantly, this method encourages honest communication and fosters a cooperative environment. The result is not just an increase in output but also a boost in morale and job satisfaction.
Let’s return to the initial saying, “what gets measured, gets managed.” Yes, you can and should measure how your team’s doing. Because only by doing so can you understand their capabilities and lead them on the right path. But for the modern leader you are, using traditional methods is not an option. Only by fostering an open dialogue, valuing feedback, and promoting shared decision-making can you measure your team's performance and, thus, lead them effectively. Only by embracing a human-centric approach that considers both qualitative and quantitative aspects of your team’s performance can you master metrics even in complex environments.
So, tell us, how often do you take the time and ask each person on your team about their status quo?
