Delegate. The key to success issetting clear goals and objectivesand making sure that those in thefirm that have been given responsibility to carry out those objectives follow through and achievethem. That involves follow-upby leadership to make sure thatthose goals are achieved.
We have periodic meetingsamong management. We set ourgoals, and in the next meeting,we’ll ask, ‘Where do you stand? … We delegate tasks to chairpersons of our various practicegroups. Delegation is extremelyimportant. By delegating, youcan accomplish so much morethan by trying to do everythingyourself. Furthermore, it bringsbuy-in from those with whomyou’re working; that’s reallyimportant for the success of theorganization.
Work together. It’s a juggling actto keep everyone on the teamand everyone rowing together.
[That’s done] through communication and goal setting andthrough expressing constantlycore philosophies of the firm.One of the core philosophies isthat we work as a team ratherthan as a bunch of individual,sole practitioners. As a team, wecan accomplish much morethan we can individually.
Teamwork requires leavingsomething on the table. Team-work also requires recognizingyour responsibility to supportthe team and to perform for theteam when you’re asked. Team-work really comes from the topdown. If employees see thatyou’re a team player, they’ll bemore likely to act as team players. If they don’t, they’ll be lesslikely to do it. Secondly, youneed to reward people who actas team players. If you don’treward them for it or if youreward inconsistently with theteam attitude, then you’re sending mixed messages, and mixedmessages don’t translate intoachievement of the team goals.
Groom talent. As leaders, we’reon the lookout for potentialleadership talent. The processis being able to identify that talent, which you see exhibitedthrough their conduct.
You see associates take onnew tasks. You see associatesacting as leaders among otherassociates. You see those whoare inclined to take on challenges and help others. We’reon the lookout for those people.
One of the keys to groomingor growing any employee isproviding great work and asmuch responsibility as that person can handle. Through handling challenging assignments,people grow into the positionsthey’re asked to handle.
HOW TO REACH: Winstead PC, (214) 745-5400 or www.winstead.com