You're in charge of operational planning. How can you lead and motivate your team effectively?

SMART goals and collaboration are key elements of successful operational planning. By combining these two elements, you create a more productive, engaged and results-oriented work environment. The importance of SMART goals: SMART goals eliminate ambiguity and ensure that all team members know exactly what they need to achieve. Focusing efforts on specific objectives helps teams avoid distractions and increases productivity. Motivation and challenging but achievable goals motivate employees to overcome obstacles and celebrate their achievements. Effective monitoring with clear indicators allows you to measure progress and identify areas that need adjustment.

Your role as the L-E-A-D-E-R is to lead. The best way to 'connect' to your team is to be influential and you can achieve that by honing in on the motivational drivers that brings out the best in them. This requires a lot of work upfront but the more you know about each individual, the better your team will be. Something as simple as the act of appreciation - not everyone wants public recognition or a Starbucks gift card. Find out exactly what they want! Then, deliver it! I had a member of my team who was vegan, so I would send her pistachios and fruits instead of a coffee gift card or chocolate. That meant the world to her that I was paying attention to who she was! Be crystal clear in your vision. Hold everyone accountable!

A well-designed role assignment is the foundation for a high-performance team. By matching individual skills with the needs of the project, you create synergy and maximize results. Some points to consider: Flexibility and adaptation: Roles should be flexible to allow employees to develop and take on new responsibilities. Continuous feedback: Providing regular feedback is essential to ensure that employees are on the right track and to identify areas for improvement. Recognition: Valuing individual contributions and celebrating team achievements strengthens a sense of belonging and motivation.

Some strategies to foster teamwork: Promote activities that encourage interaction and building trust among team members. Open communication channels: Facilitate communication among employees, using digital tools and promoting regular meetings. Celebrate the team's achievements as a whole, reinforcing the sense of belonging. Delegate responsibilities and allow the team to make decisions, encouraging proactivity. Teamwork is a force multiplier. By investing in a collaborative environment, you will be building a more engaged, productive team that is capable of overcoming any challenge.

By providing development opportunities, you demonstrate that you care about your employees’ future and, consequently, increase job satisfaction and engagement. Personalization: Every individual has different needs and aspirations. Offering personalized development plans demonstrates that you value the individuality of each team member. Mentoring: Connecting more experienced employees with those just starting out in their careers can accelerate the learning and development process. Continuous feedback: Providing regular, constructive feedback is essential for employees to understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

Feedback is an investment in your team’s future. By providing feedback regularly and constructively, you create a more positive, productive, and engaged work environment. Employees better understand your expectations and how their actions impact results. By identifying areas for improvement, feedback directs efforts toward professional development. Positive and constructive feedback demonstrates care and respect for employees. By recognizing efforts and achievements, feedback motivates employees to strive for more.