A Quick Story to Kick Things Off...
A few years back, I worked with an amazing client who had quickly climbed the ranks during the pandemic. Her hard work and focus had paid off with a well-deserved promotion. But there was one challenge: her team, mostly Gen Z, was working remotely and feeling the strain. Morale was low, and she noticed a growing disconnect. She was stuck—how could she bridge this gap?
The Fix: Ask Them About Them.
This client was a powerhouse with her technical skills and project management prowess. But to inspire and connect with her team, she needed something more.
We decided to help her try something new. One Monday, instead of diving straight into the meeting agenda, she started with something simple: She asked about everyone’s weekend and shared a funny story from hers. That small shift? It worked magic. Suddenly, her team opened up, shared ideas, and even laughed together.
In that moment, she knew that leading wasn’t just about getting tasks done or setting goals—it was about genuinely connecting with people. When you make an effort to understand what makes each person tick, you build a team that feels valued, motivated, and ready to tackle anything.
Why Soft Skills Matter in Leadership?
Today’s most successful leaders excel not just in their technical abilities but in their people skills. Understanding your team’s unique personalities, motivations, and behaviors is key to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
Here’s why this matters:
Enhanced Team Performance: A team that feels heard and appreciated performs better.
Increased Innovation: Open communication fosters creativity and collaboration.
Stronger Trust: Building relationships based on trust encourages team members to go above and beyond.
Actionable Takeaways:
Engage Personally: Take time to know your team beyond their roles.
Foster Open Communication: Create a space where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas.
Build Trust: Show genuine interest in your team’s well-being and professional growth.
Do you have a go-to strategy for connecting with your team? I’d love to hear your experiences!
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Tracy!
I help executives and teams maximize their impact through coaching. With experience at firms like JP Morgan Chase and startups like Esurance, I specialize in leadership, communication, and employee engagement, empowering teams in Tech, Finance, and Healthcare to thrive.
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