How to Improve Team Performance

It's rare for a team member to wake up in the morning and decide that "today when I show up in the showroom I am going to be mediocre".  Yet if you asked a number of showroom managers how many of their team members are just average, the answer most likely would be more than one.  Why the disconnect?  It may be caused by a lack of alignment.  There have been volumes written about the neediness of the Millennial generation, but look at what Millennials actually need.  They need a sense of purpose.  They need to be challenged.  They need opportunities to grow personally and professionally.  They need to believe that what they do makes a difference. Millennials get a bad wrap.  In truth, meeting their needs are keys to developing a high-performing team.

 

Start by agreeing on the difference that your showroom makes in the lives of your customers.  Your team may believe that they sell faucets, showers or toilets, but what they really do is to improve the lives of their customers.  They sell happiness.  They reduce stress.   They improve the value of their customers' homes.  To improve your team's performance, discuss with them the impact your showroom has on the world around them. And by the way, don't think this is a waste of time - after all, Millennials now are the largest generation in the workforce.

 

A second key is to be an inspirational resource.  One of the traits of superior leaders is the ability to challenge team members to leave their comfort zones and stretch their skill sets.  The benefits of inspiring your team are higher productivity, commitment, profitability and lower turnover. 

 

A third key is to create an environment and workplace that makes your team become advocates for your business.  How many team members would recommend your showroom as a possible employer to family and friends?  In today's world where unemployment is expected to fall below 4%, the ability to attract and retain talent is paramount.  Creating an environment where employees are encouraged to become corporate advocates will not only improve retention, it will also help attract best-in-class talent.