Want to know the secret behind a high-performance senior team?

OK, so the truth is, there's no 'secret' behind building a high-performance team. Just a vital foundation that I'm seeing is getting more and more overlooked and causing havoc as a result.

?And it's this.

?Maintaining the art of human connection.

?Be honest: when did you last spend meaningful time with your team, ?just being together, one to one, as humans?

TLDR:?

? Do take the time to celebrate your team and say thank you.?

? Don't underestimate the immense value of connection and checking in. ?

? Do get in touch if you want to avoid the 'slog' and instead benefit from a curated opportunity to think, connect and communicate together, through active leadership mentoring, personal reflection, small break-out groups and whole team learning.

As a senior leader, everyone looks to you for the answers. You don't have any time for yourself and there's rarely an opportunity for being in a room with your team, without an agenda.?

?

Without nurturing that precious connection within your team, how can you be expected to lead with empathy - and how can your team feel aligned and properly set up for high-performance?

There's no short cut, cheat sheet or quick fix. You just have to make time and put the work in.

?

Curious to know the story behind these beaming smiles? ??

Look at the photo again ??

The connection achieved by the Global Executive Leadership Team of Underwrite Me ?at their recent Away Day – the laughter, honesty and shared trust – was authentic, genuine and truly special.

How? Because the team prioritised time to be mentally present, emotionally open and physically together. And my role? To ensure everyone was ready for successful leadership growth: in mind, heart and body (this was not the result of ‘off the shelf’ training or facilitation)

?

As we continue to navigate the post-Covid return to 'business as usual', it's sad to see the simple act of taking time, showing human care - and (crucially) celebrating the executive team in their own right - is being allowed to slip off the radar.

?

Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and appreciated. Including you and your team!

TOOL: 8 STEPS TO CONNECTION & CELEBRATION

Use these mentoring questions, taken straight from one of my leadership Away Days, to help you and your team celebrate individual and shared success and to build connection:?

1. What barriers have you overcome recently?
2. What results make you proud that you or your team has delivered - to the business, the team or yourself?
3. What have been your small wins and / or your big goals?
4. How have you developed as a team?
5. How have you developed as a leader?
6. Where have you made a difference?
7. Who's helped you?
8. Who can you say 'thank you' to - and how will you do that?

As ever, I'd love to know how you get on...

?? FREE GIFT! I am delighted to be invited as a recognised author to contribute to the IPA’s People First Promise Initiative designed to better support people’s mental health and wellbeing. My bespoke leadership mentoring resource ; combines 5 quick tips as well as detailed practical advice to help you reflect, be honest with yourself and to find the most effective ways to excel in your high-stakes role.

Click here to access your FREE mentoring guide

Until the next newsletter, have a great weekend!?

Cheers

Sally

P.S To get access to Mentor in Your Pocket first and right to your inbox join my leadership community - https://www.sallyhenderson.co.uk/#signup

Trusted by: Accenture Song | IPA | IPG | M&C Saatchi | MSQ | NatWest Nestlé | Next 15 | Saatchi & Saatchi | Sweaty Betty & more...