Think about your team for a second. You probably have a mix of steady professionals and standouts as well as some under-the-radar merch experts and maybe a few who just don’t click. That’s normal. Teams include all different personalities and skill sets. The challenge isn’t treating everyone the same but understanding what drives each person.
Jay Desko, the president and CEO of The Center Consulting Group, says just like team captains size up the neighborhood kids and pick their teams, leaders should also do their own sifting and sorting process. He says when you understand the 4 main types of employees, you can guide each one based on their potential and performance. We share what he means in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
Don’t Miss A Thing: SUBSCRIBE To PPAI Newslink
The weak links. These are the ones who don’t live up to expectations and don’t show much potential. Maybe they’re not coachable or they resist learning new skills. Usually, it’s because they’re not a good fit for your company’s culture. They may end up excelling somewhere else. Desko says the longer you hang on to them, the more damage they can do to your team. When you know someone just isn’t a good fit, don’t delay having a conversation with them.
Hidden gems. You probably have a few of these team members. They may not be performing well at the moment, but they have strong potential. Desko says hidden gems are usually in the wrong position or not given the right opportunities. Make sure you’re not overlooking people who could become exceptional leaders or high-level performers. They may just need a different role or continued coaching.
Core members. According to Desko, these are the backbone of your team. They’re highly reliable although they may not be the most vocal or visible. He says just like in professional sports, for every superstar on a team, there’s a small army of core members that make it possible for the superstar to shine.
Superstars. Every profession has its superstars, including medicine, sports, science and business, Desko says. What is it that makes these women and men stand out from the rest? It’s often some unique combination of their intellect, resilience, willingness to take risks, ability to create and communicate compelling vision and extraordinary motivation. These team members may still be emerging, he says, and the full spectrum of their talents may not have been reached. He says superstars need to be managed wisely and carefully. If you treat them like everyone else without making some accommodations, you may lose them.
The best teams are shaped intentionally by leaders. They know who they’re working with and adjust their approach accordingly. Some merchandise experts may need extra coaching while others may need more opportunity. Some may just want to be recognized for what they deliver consistently. When you take time to understand your team, you can create a group that’s more motivated and productive.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Jay Desko is the president and CEO of The Center Consulting Group.
