Aligning Performance with Expectations

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Managing a team in an organization comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring that the team delivers work of high quality and meets deadlines consistently. Many managers find themselves grappling with the frustration of team performance not aligning with their expectations. In this article, we will explore effective strategies that managers can employ to navigate and improve team performance within an organization.

This is the frustration experienced by a lot of managers when their team is not in alignment with their vision for the team.

Many managers find themselves grappling with the frustration of team performance not aligning with their expectations.

My Response to These Frustrations

• Setting Clear Expectations:

One of the fundamental steps in managing team performance is setting clear expectations. As a manager, it's crucial to communicate your expectations to your team members clearly and effectively. These expectations should be aligned with the overall goals and objectives of the business. By establishing clear expectations, you provide your team with a roadmap to follow and a benchmark against which their performance can be measured.

When setting expectations, it's essential to ensure that they are realistic and achievable. Unrealistic expectations can demotivate your team members and lead to frustration and burnout. Take the time to assess the capabilities and capacity of your team members and tailor your expectations accordingly. By setting realistic goals, you set your team up for success and create a positive work environment conducive to productivity and growth.

• Delegating Effectively:

Delegation is a critical skill for managers, especially when it comes to managing team performance. Effective delegation involves assigning tasks and responsibilities to team members based on their skills, strengths, and capacity. However, delegation is not about abdicating responsibility; it's about empowering your team members to take ownership of their work while providing guidance and support along the way.

Many managers struggle with delegation because they fear losing control or believe that they can do the task better themselves. However, effective delegation is essential for scaling your team's capacity and fostering a culture of trust and empowerment. By delegating tasks effectively, you free up your time to focus on strategic initiatives and higher-level priorities while enabling your team members to develop their skills and expertise.

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• Continuous Coaching:

Coaching plays a crucial role in managing team performance. As a manager, your primary responsibility is to coach and develop your team members to reach their full potential. Continuous coaching involves providing regular feedback, guidance, and support to help your team members grow and improve.

It's essential to adopt a coaching mindset and approach every interaction with your team members as an opportunity for growth and development. Be proactive in providing constructive feedback and praise when warranted. Remember, coaching is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and dedication.

Incorporate coaching into your daily interactions with your team members, whether it's through formal performance reviews, one-on-one meetings, or informal check-ins. By making coaching a priority, you create a culture of continuous learning and improvement within your team.

• Managing Frustration:

Managing team performance can be challenging, and it's natural to feel frustrated when things don't go as planned. However, it's essential to manage your frustration constructively and avoid letting it impact your interactions with your team members.

Instead of dwelling on your frustrations, focus on finding solutions and identifying areas for improvement. Take a step back and assess the root causes of the performance issues you're facing. Are there any underlying issues with processes, resources, or communication that need to be addressed?

Remember, managing a team is a collaborative effort, and it's okay to ask for help when needed. Don't hesitate to seek support from your colleagues, mentors, or HR department if you're struggling to manage team performance effectively.

• As a Wrap:

Managing team performance in a corporate setting requires a combination of effective communication, delegation, coaching, and resilience. By setting clear expectations, delegating tasks effectively, and providing continuous coaching and support, managers can empower their team members to perform at their best and achieve their goals.

Managing team performance is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and adaptability. By adopting a growth mindset and embracing feedback and learning opportunities, managers can create a positive work environment where team members feel valued, motivated, and empowered to succeed.

Special Event for HR and L&D Managers & Leaders

The launch your consulting & coaching practice hybrid event kicks off on May 1st, 2024. This hybrid 90-minutes training will focus on getting you started on your way to becoming an independent contractor, whether you're looking to switch industries, explore new opportunities, or build a new business around your skillset and expertise. I will personally deliver it and hope to see you there. Click here to sign up.

About Adenrele Onikosi

Adenrele Onikosi is passionate about leadership excellence. He empowers executives to redefine their leadership journeys, emphasizing human-centric approaches. His focus is on igniting leadership potential within individuals and organizations.