EDITOR ’ S QUESTION

Henry Ford once said : “ If you always do what you ’ ve always done , you ’ ll always get what you ’ ve always got .” To create something different you may need to do something different . Finding a different approach to building an engaged team might start with looking at the intention behind your leadership and communication style .

THE QUALITY OF YOUR TEAM ’ S ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION STARTS WITH THE INTENTION BEHIND YOUR WORDS .

If your intention is that of the cheer squad who is the eternal flame of positivity that lights up the optimism and joy in people , then make sure you take a triple dose of Berocca ! Fixing low morale by filling the gaps with your own energy is a surefire recipe for exhaustion . Whilst you carry a lot of accountability on your shoulders , you are not responsible for the happiness for other people . Being the cheer squad

trains your staff to depend on you to be their motivator , saviour or personal counsellor who lifts the energy when they haven ’ t taken the initiative to do so themselves . You cannot give people what they deny themselves .

Perhaps you are the team player who gets in , helps out with everything and fixes everyone ’ s problems . You are a do-er and like to ‘ get stuff done ’. As there are so many things on your neverending list , there isn ’ t always time to listen deeply and empathise with each conversation . It is easier to jump to the solution , give direction and get on with things . Whilst you can ’ t be faulted for your work ethic , the lack of breathing space in your day results in more one directional conversations and you becoming involved in too many items . Although efficient , people don ’ t necessarily feel heard , issues tend to repeat and you become an irreplaceable cog in the machine .

The head coach approach looks at the big picture and is then selective with what they involve themselves in . There are many moving parts to a head coach ’ s day , however they closely consider which aspects require them to be involved and which they don ’ t touch . They decide which conversations require time and attention and which can happen in passing . They understand that their team will have moments of growth that will be uncomfortable and require direct feedback . They also recognise that their team just want to feel valued .

How could your time spent in cheer squad leadership , team player leadership and head coach leadership be better dispersed ?

The quality of your team ’ s engagement and collaboration starts with the intention behind your words .

22 www . intelligentcxo . com