As leader of a team, it’s your job to make sure everyone is motivated and focused. A motivated team makes for a more efficient, successful business.
Knowing your team members and what motivates them, says Joanne Ferguson, president, coach and consultant with Advisor Pathways Inc. in Toronto, will help you get the most from them — and your business.
Follow these tips to keep everyone on track throughout the year:
> Meet regularly
Scheduled team meetings will help your team stay focused.
During the summer months it can be easy to let your team-meeting schedule slide, says Ferguson, as staff members take time off for vacations.
But, Ferguson says, to make sure your team members are on the same page and progressing with all their important projects, Ferguson says, it’s important to maintain your meeting schedule year-round.
You should, as a rule, meet for 15 to 30 minutes each week.
> Set team goals
Create a list of goals to help keep your team motivated.
Ferguson suggests establishing milestones or targets. For example, you might aim to bring in a set amount of assets from new clients for the year.
Once the target is met, she says, reward the team with a lunch or a monetary gift.
> Foster collaboration
Let staff know that their opinions matter. They will feel more involved, which makes for a stronger, more motivated team.
If you act like a “dictator,” closing off discussion, Ferguson says, team members will be left feeling as if they are not a part of the business.
Instead, encourage staff to talk to you about concerns at any time and to offer feedback during meetings.
> Stay in touch
Sometimes, financial advisors don’t let their staff know where they are during the day, Ferguson says. But you should keep staff in the loop about your activities to maintain a strong team environment.
Always let team members know your plans for the workday, she says — whether you are coming in late because of a doctor’s appointment or an early meeting with a client, or you’re simply taking the day off.
> Make positive comments
Let team members know they are doing a good job and that their efforts are appreciated.
Say five positive things about a team member every day, says Ferguson. You could offer a compliment on a job well done or even congratulate your team member on something in his or her personal life.