What’s something you’ve heard or read recently that inspired you to take action?
I was recently reminded of a powerful verse from Proverbs, 27:23.
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.” (NASB)
Proverbs provides much wisdom, regardless of our vocation or title.
When I was reminded of this verse the other day, multiple thoughts flooded my mind about how this applies at work.
And what stood out to me is that this verse describes the key to building meaningful connection and impact with your team.
Know Your Team Well:
Knowing your team, what matters to them and motivates them to action, is valuable.
But so is their humor, how they interact with their peers, how they view whatever is going on around them.
Make spending time with them a priority.
This can take shape in a multitude of ways.
💡 Talking to them at the beginning of the day, checking in with them between meetings, working with them on a challenging situation, brainstorming on an idea they have, partnering on career goals.
Each of these moments give you insight to what matters to them, their thought process, how they approach solving a problem, and what influences their happiness at work.
Pay Attention:
When I started using Visual Boards to map out team goals and where we stood on a daily basis, I realized that the conversations we were having in our huddles (at the “board”) were helping me understand the “health” of my team.
In a mere 15 minutes, I could tell you what my team was focused on, where they needed help, and if they were really present to what we had to accomplish that day.
Listening to what each team member had to say, watching their body language & facial expressions, observing how they responded to particular information or to their peer, offered perspective.
It helped me learn how they prioritized tasks, their willingness to help a peer or share a new learning, or if they needed support.
Final Thought:
As a leader of teams, nothing was as life-giving to me as spending time with them.
Every moment spent connecting, coaching, and collaborating with them helped me better understand how to best support them daily and nurture their potential.
Challenge for the week:
Reflect and take action on one of the following ideas this week:
- What’s one small way you can get to know your team better today? Start there and see what happens :).
- Take 15 minutes to check in on a team member – listen, observe, and be present. You might be surprised by what you learn.
- Is there one or more team members who need more of your presence right now? Consider where and how to demonstrate your support and availability.
