The Importance Of Sharing “Stucks”
As leaders, we work hard to create high performing teams. Not only do high performing teams achieve great results, but they also solve problems creatively and collaboratively along the way. Great leaders create time, space and autonomy for problem-solving.
At least once a week, either my executive coaching clients or other business owners ask me what it takes to grow a successful business. My answer is always the same, a great product and great teamwork. As an owner of a successful, multi-site medical practice, I rely on teamwork, excellent customer service and predictable performance. Dozens of business books are written about how to launch a successful start-up or how to achieve business success. In reality, the answers are simple and straightforward.
Sharing “Stucks”
The foundation of any high performing team is open, honest communication. After 20 years as a successful entrepreneur and business owner, I fully appreciate the importance of sharing problems or “stucks” with my team. When given the autonomy, the team typically comes up with better and more effective solutions. And, their buy-in is better because it’s their idea!
It’s impossible to work on a team and not have at least one “stuck” every day. Talking openly about what’s not working and solving it as soon as possible frees up time and space for providing service and producing great work. Encouraging team members to share their barriers with each other, rather than with you, improves team communication and trust. Everything’s out in the open and you’ve created a forum for them to share their “stucks” respectfully.
Daily Huddles
As a leader, there are many ways you can improve communication. Many of the most successful brands worldwide have adopted one of JD Rockefeller’s Habits – a daily huddle. Huddles are designed to look at the next 24 hours. Huddles are brief, to the point and outline ONLY those things that are unusual or not working, as well as potential conflicts or barriers from having a great “next 24 hours.” Research shows that organizations who adopt daily huddles improve customer experience, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Front-line managers and their leaders benefit from sharing the information generated during daily huddles. For example, if in your daily huddles, frontline staff are complaining consistently about not having enough supplies available to do their daily work, you can work with your supply chain team and refine the work processes that are interfering with operations. Leaders and their managers who discuss 1-2 “stucks” or issues that keep arising each week as part of huddle or other regular team communications will solve 52-104 problems each year! Now that’s efficient.
All things being equal, great teamwork starts with great communication. For more information on how to improve regular communication within your organization, feel free to reach me at sandra@sandrastryker.com.