On a conference call last week with Alan Eagle, Director of Executive Communications at Google, Inc., I was taken aback by the emphasis on “love” as a successful management practice. Love is not exactly the sentiment most of us associate with the cut-throat world of business.
But the point is worth pondering. This conference call was organized by and for coaches to learn about the techniques of famed tech coach Bill Campbell, and for more reading, please see Eagle’s book, Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley’s Bill Campbell.
The upshot of course is to invest in your people. Even if it’s not your personality, demonstrate caring and love for your team in simple ways, which will cultivate trust, and build a stronger, more successful team. Here are some pointers, which probably apply equally well to companies, nonprofits, and even families:
Business is a team effort. Teams need a coach. The best coach is a manager. Cultivate coaching techniques with your managers.
Invest in your people by creating an atmosphere of trust, support and respect, and coach their development.
Bring caring and love into the workplace: Love builds trust.
Cheer for people. Celebrate your people and their success. When you do that, others will too, and it helps create a positive culture.
Stop and chat! Ask what your teammates are working on. And how are their kids? Build extra time into your day… even if it’s not in your personality.
Remember your ABCs: Always Build Community. Encourage fun and transparency. Hold a weekly all-hands meeting, where Q&A is encouraged. Hold a weekly happy hour and give awards (shout outs) for fun things. Include the kids in offsite office parties!
Hold small, 30-minute group coaching sessions where you bring a challenge and coach each other around it.
In short, make sure everyone is heard, and everyone succeeds.
Team assessments and leadership coaching can be a great tool to invest in your people, develop self and social awareness, and build community. Contact MBR@mbrcoach.com to learn more, or to get a customized proposal!