The key to high-performance with your team starts with you
In the trenches
Rise and shine 6er,
For a group to be successful, there must be a common understanding among all members. Making decisions often necessitates the consideration of multiple points of view, which can make it difficult for the group to function efficiently. A leader has to learn the art of balancing their own understanding with that of their stakeholders so that everyone is on the same page.
As military veterans, we have a great asset that we can use to our advantage, and that is our ability to adapt. Transition is a time when it is especially important to have the flexibility and adaptability to new circumstances that we have developed over the years. This trait is valuable in the civilian world as well.
As a problem solver, adaptability means that you aren't constrained in your approach or your thinking. You and your organization will be able to deal with new challenges more effectively as a result of this, allowing you to concentrate on keeping your business competitive.
Establishing clear expectations is the first step toward adjusting to new circumstances. When your stakeholders and team members know what to expect, there is no room for misunderstanding. With less uncertainty, they'll have a better chance of hitting the mark and accomplishing the objectives you set for them in the first place. As a result, the overall success of the group is boosted by these small successes.
Let’s make it happen!
The INSUM
Intelligence summary of insights from this week’s podcast
A person's or a company's ability to adapt is essential to both personal and organizational growth. To thrive and survive in uncertain and sometimes complex environments, we are often told to "learn, adapt and learn again" in the military, where rapid adaptation is critical.
Having the flexibility to change course is a valuable skill in the civilian world as well. It is critical that you and your team are able to adapt to changing market conditions and deal with uncertainty. Your advantage in both your professional and personal life will come from mastering adaptive leadership.
This week, I am joined by Steven Weintraub, a Marine Corps veteran and Chief Strategy Officer for Vet Tix - Tickets for Troops, which secures tickets to sporting events, concerts, and other activities to all branches of currently-serving military and veterans as well as the immediate family of troops killed in action.
One important theme underlying adaptability and resiliency within a group is shared understanding. As a leader, getting everyone on the same page starts with you being able to make small, necessary adjustments. Here are three lessons from Steve we can all apply.
1. Choose the right tools in solving problems.
We were taught to be creative problem solvers through our military training. Resilience training includes this exercise. Identifying the exact problem and then evaluating the most appropriate and efficient response is the first step to finding effective solutions.
A nail is all you see when you have a hammer. Our familiarity with one tool makes it difficult for us to change, but leaders must be able to put aside their egos and let team creativity take place in order to solve a problem. Next, as a group, decide on the best solution approach to match the problem's requirements.
2. Giving incentives does not need to be costly.
Incentives for excellence and hard work can be as simple as thanking your employees for their efforts. If you are truly sincere, this small gesture can have a big impact. Allowing them to freely express themselves, as well as feeling valued and appreciated, are all aspects of creating a safe space for them. Your stakeholders' performance depends on the quality of your relationship with them.
3. Set clear and reasonable expectations.
It is your duty as a leader to make it clear to your employees what you expect of them. Without clarifying this, your team's productivity will suffer, resulting in a lack of clarity.
Your expectations must, however, be realistic. Many of the skills and expectations we learn in the military don't have the same meaning to civilians as they do in the military. Learn and adapt to the situation you're in.
Getting everyone in an organization on the same page takes time and effort, and there is no quick fix. We're all unique and approach things in our own way, so it's important to remember that. But it's not impossible, either. As part of a successful team, you must learn to adapt and encourage everyone to participate through incentives and clear expectations.
Remind a battle buddy of the leadership skills of getting all stakeholders on the same page and how they can apply them to their current mission by forwarding this newsletter to them.