By: PO1 Fascle, R., USCG Station Alexandria Bay, NY
Opinions expressed by Professional Development Unit contributors are their own.
Leaders in a company set the tone, no matter the size of the organization. However, some people new to these roles have trouble managing their daily team duties and miss the chance to connect with and empower their teams more effectively.
Today, teams expect more from their leaders. As leaders, it's our responsibility to be ready and show up to support those who help us reach our goals. Unfortunately, some senior and junior leaders believe the opposite is true.
Five common mistakes leaders make when guiding and supporting their teams are listed below.
A one size communication style does not fit all
This idea is entirely wrong. Your team prefers and needs different means of communication. There's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's a mistake for any leader to think that sending a single email is enough for proper communication. Effective leaders must support communication policies and procedures that ensure their messages reach the team in various ways. This could include emails, meetings, daily huddles, or other tools to keep everyone on the same page. Successful communication considers how your team prefers and needs to be communicated with.
Genuinely display care and concern for your team
Your team needs to feel appreciated and valued in ways that go beyond financial rewards. Building a genuine connection leads to better engagement and buy-in, even though it may make some leaders uncomfortable. Creating unnecessary boundaries when connecting with a team limits growth and holds back new ideas. Instead, leaders should focus on having meaningful conversations that improve performance and results. Teams often feel unappreciated, used, and ignored when leaders control the experience teams have in the organization. With more career options available today, creating deeper connections and authenticity is key to keeping top talent.
Your team is more talented than you think
Building a team is a collaborative effort that fosters growth at every stage. When leaders see this, they can tap into their team's talent, benefiting both the team and the organization. In the past, I worked at places where my supervisor was intimidated by my skills and didn't fully embrace them. True leaders, however, know how to unlock the full potential of their team's talent. A leader's responsibility is to help their team grow, understanding that it ultimately benefits the company. Being a subject matter expert isn't just about overseeing someone with expertise; it's about recognizing the potential in the individuals you're tasked with developing and helping them become experts. Leaders always create new leaders.
Develop a productive cross-functional unit
A strong team comprises members who complement each other's strengths. This starts with an effective onboarding process and continues through how you engage and support your team. Involve your team in the onboarding to help spot any blind spots you might have with a new member. Everyone brings unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds, which help empower the entire team. Encourage your team to turn to each other for support rather than always relying on you or other leaders when issues or questions arise. The goal is to create leaders within your team and give them the resources they need to succeed.
Do be the "Go-to" Person for every issue
This relates to the point above: you must provide your team with the resources they need to succeed. You don't have to do everything yourself. Trying to fix every problem will only lead to burnout. As a leader, your job is to let your team develop solutions before turning to you for guidance. Don't try to be the hero who saves the day. Be the hero who trusts and believes in your team. Always look for ways to make your team more substantial and connected, creating a "Team of Teams." Having clear policies and procedures in place and teaching your team how you think is essential. Keep your team informed and involve them in decisions, projects, and problem-solving. Don't try to handle everything on your own.
