START YOUR WEEK WITH THE COACH

”Do you want to build a great team of empowered leaders to accomplish the mission or, find a group of followers to help you chase the dream?”

Here are ten keys great leaders use for building their dream team of empowered leaders:

1. They involve their team in planning the strategy for the future and setting short and long-term goals. They do not launch the journey until these are established.

2. They explain how the action plan supports the overall mission and focuses everyone’s daily effort and long-term vision. Great leaders allow no secrets and no surprises, teamwork killers.

3. They explain clearly what happens if the team fails to successfully execute the strategy. They know that brutal honesty is the only way to plan for the future and guarantee success.

4. They explain the benefits of successfully executing the plan. They are ”hope-dealers” for the future. They know that no one ever overdoses on encouragement, the main function of great leadership.

5. They take time to teach, train and coach any new skills necessary for success. They see hidden value in every team member but never fudge on the honest appraisal of their performance.

6. They explain the attitude and behavioral expectations for every individual team member and the overall team. Maintaining a positive attitude and a team-work spirit are never negotiable.

7. They develop a performance agreement for all team members before they join the team so there is no question about their assignment or level of performance expectations once the game starts.

8. They identify experienced and gifted individuals and position them in key areas of influence, regardless of the title. Titles and positional influence seldom replace experienced leadership capabilities.

9. They identify the “vision-drainers” and help them overcome their negatives or release them from the team. They know that the longer they remain, the lower the team morale and the slower the advancement of the vision.

10. They don’t move forward with the strategy until the team has completed the first nine steps. To do so, means less than optimal results at best, or worse, certain failure.

*Based on a score of (1) being seldom, (3) being sometimes and (5) being often; what changes do you need to make?

10-15: You’re drowning. Move over let someone else lead.

20-30: You are in the middle of the pack. Find a good coach.

35-49: You are in Leaderships’ top twenty percent. Find a young leader to coach.

50: No one is perfect. You need to resign. You are kidding yourself!

Don’t let your ego or pride stop you from being open and honest with yourself and your team. I guarantee you, your team knows the truth. Your team will follow you with greater passion if you are transparent and vulnerable as a leader.