Lead Lightly: Elevating Team Performance
This edition, let’s focus on what actually moves the needle when it comes to team performance.
High-performing teams thrive when leaders empower, not control.
#1: Swap deadlines for commitments
Instead of assigning hard deadlines, have your team commit to their own timelines.
This builds ownership and accountability.
🔹 Try this: In your next project meeting, ask each team member, “What’s a realistic timeline you can commit to?”, then hold them to it.
#2: Clarify expectations with a 3-point check
Misalignment kills performance. Set clear expectations upfront to avoid confusion later.
🔹 Try this: When delegating, confirm understanding with three questions:
1. What’s the goal?
2. What does success look like?
3. What’s the first step?
#3: Cut the meeting bloat
Too many meetings? Performance suffers when people spend more time talking than doing.
🔹 Try this: Set a team rule: No meeting over 30 minutes unless it’s strategy-focused. Use voice notes, quick stand-ups, or shared docs instead.
#4: Rotate leadership in problem-solving
People perform better when they feel a sense of leadership, not just follow orders.
🔹 Try this: Assign a rotating ‘decision lead’ for recurring challenges; one person owns gathering input, making recommendations, and presenting the best solution.
#5: Make recognition specific, not generic
Vague praise like “Good job” doesn’t drive performance. Specific, timely recognition does.
🔹 Try this: Catch someone doing something well today and acknowledge it with detail: “The way you handled that client’s concern with patience and clarity not only solved the issue but also strengthened our relationship with them. That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need.”
Let’s connect: what’s one action you’ll take this month? ’d love to hear.