Teams365 Blog - POTENTIALS REALIZED

teams 365 #3416: Friday Flashback - #TEAMS365 #391: THE DREADED D WORD - DELEGATION!

5/12/2023

One area both new and experienced team leaders struggle with is in the area of Delegation. How do you find delegation as a skil lset and practice yourself?

If you are one of the many leaders who struggle with this area then this week's focus on delegation is for you. You may already find yourself with way too many things on your plate, and not enough time to do it.

To get a handle on what might be "delegation material" schedule the following 10-15 minute activity:

1. Pull out your current to do list, along with your accountabilities for the next quarter.
2. With these in mind, take a look at the current key priorities. These may be shaped by KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), Team Goals or any other Organizational Goals which are priority this quarter (or year).
3. What are the tasks that only you can accomplish?
4. What are the tasks that you need to be involved with, but can be supported by others?
5. What are the tasks that you really need support from others to accomplish (i.e specialized skills may be needed, due to complexity etc)?
6. What are the tasks on your list that really need to be completely handed off - who can do them? What support and direction do they need?
7. With these items off your plate, how much more time will you have?

Once you have gotten a line of sight on the tasks which need to be handed off, we can then start exploring how to do this. We'll be looking at tips for that this week, and you may also want to refer back to other posts I've written on delegation namely
Teams365 #90 - Delegation Tips which you can read here OR
Teams365 #315: Leadership a - z - D is for delegation which you can read here

Have a great start to your week!

With best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, PCC
Potentials Realized
Author of From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013) and Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team Authorized Partner
Everything DiSC® Authorized Partner
Contact us and let us know how we can support you in helping your team reach its' full potential: (416)996-TEAM (8326)

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.

Teams 365 #3415: How to Get Teams Working Better Together

5/11/2023

Effective teamwork is essential for success in any workplace. A cohesive team that works well together can accomplish more, solve problems faster, and create a positive work environment. However, building a strong team requires effort, patience, and commitment from everyone involved. In this blog post, we will explore how to get teams working together better.

Encourage open communication Open communication is crucial for building a strong team. Encourage team members to share their ideas, opinions, and concerns openly. Create a safe space where everyone feels heard and valued. Encouraging open communication helps to foster trust and promotes a collaborative work environment.
Establish clear roles and responsibilities Establishing clear roles and responsibilities helps team members understand their individual contributions to the team. Clear roles and responsibilities also promote accountability, reduce confusion, and minimize conflicts over tasks and decisions.
Set shared goals Setting shared goals helps team members understand what they're working towards and how they can contribute to the team's success. When setting shared goals, involve the whole team in the process and ensure that everyone understands and agrees to the objectives.
Celebrate successes Celebrating successes helps build team morale and fosters a positive team culture. Recognize team members' contributions, highlight successes, and celebrate milestones. Celebrating successes can boost team morale and motivate team members to work together towards future goals.
Foster a culture of trust A culture of trust is essential for building a strong team. Encourage trust by being transparent, honest, and fair. Encourage team members to share their ideas and opinions without fear of retribution. When conflicts arise, encourage open and honest discussions to resolve them.
Provide opportunities for team building Provide opportunities for team building, such as team outings, off-site meetings, or team-building exercises. These activities can help team members get to know each other better, build trust, and promote collaboration.

In conclusion, building a strong team takes effort, patience, and commitment. By encouraging open communication, establishing clear roles and responsibilities, setting shared goals, celebrating successes, fostering a culture of trust, and providing opportunities for team building, you can get teams working together better. Remember, it's all about creating a positive and collaborative work environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.

Teams 365 #3414: How to work when competing priorities are assigned

5/10/2023

In the workplace, it's common to receive multiple assignments or tasks that all require attention and have competing priorities. It can be challenging to navigate these priorities and complete everything on time, without sacrificing quality or missing deadlines. In this blog post, we will explore how to work with competing priorities assigned.

Prioritize tasks The first step in working with competing priorities is to prioritize tasks. Assess the urgency and importance of each task and rank them in order of priority. Consider the potential impact of not completing a task on time or how it affects other tasks in your workload.
Communicate with stakeholders It's crucial to communicate with stakeholders, such as managers or team members, about competing priorities. Let them know about the tasks assigned to you and the deadlines for each. If deadlines are unreasonable, try to negotiate a more realistic timeline or suggest prioritizing certain tasks over others.
Break tasks into smaller, manageable pieces Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces can help you tackle each one systematically. Consider breaking tasks into smaller sub-tasks with their deadlines. This approach can help you focus on completing each piece one at a time, which can make the workload less overwhelming.
Time management Effective time management is essential when working with competing priorities. Consider using time management tools like calendars, task lists, or reminder apps to help you manage your time efficiently. Block out specific times for working on each task, and prioritize accordingly.
Be flexible It's essential to be flexible when working with competing priorities. Sometimes, unexpected tasks or deadlines may arise, and you need to adjust your workload accordingly. Consider adapting your schedule, seeking help from colleagues, or discussing changes with stakeholders.
Take breaks and manage stress Working with competing priorities can be stressful and exhausting. It's crucial to take regular breaks, manage stress, and practice self-care. Take time to step away from work, exercise, or engage in activities that help you relax and rejuvenate.

In conclusion, working with competing priorities can be a challenge in the workplace. By prioritizing tasks, communicating with stakeholders, breaking tasks into smaller pieces, managing time, being flexible, and taking breaks, you can navigate this challenge effectively. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance between productivity and self-care, so take care of yourself, and your productivity will thrive.

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.

Teams 365 #3413: How to delegate if you are not the boss

5/9/2023

ChatGPT

Delegating tasks can be an essential skill in any workplace, regardless of your position. While delegation is often associated with management and leadership, anyone can learn to delegate effectively. Delegating can help you prioritize your workload, increase efficiency, and develop valuable teamwork skills. In this blog post, we will explore how to delegate if you are not the boss.

Identify tasks that can be delegated Before you can delegate, you need to identify which tasks are suitable for delegation. Look for tasks that are time-consuming, outside your area of expertise, or can be completed by someone else without compromising quality.
Identify the right person for the task Once you've identified which tasks can be delegated, consider who would be the best person to take on those tasks. Look for someone with the necessary skills and experience, and who has the bandwidth to take on additional responsibilities.
Communicate clearly When delegating tasks, it's crucial to communicate clearly to avoid any misunderstandings. Be specific about what you want to be done, when it needs to be done, and any expectations you have. Be sure to provide all the necessary information and resources to complete the task.
Provide support Delegating doesn't mean you're passing off responsibility entirely. It's important to provide support and check-in regularly to ensure the task is progressing as planned. Offer guidance, answer questions, and provide feedback throughout the process.
Trust the person you delegated to Trust is a crucial component of delegation. Once you've delegated a task, trust that the person you delegated to will complete it successfully. Micromanaging or constantly checking in can undermine trust and make the delegation process less effective.
Show appreciation Finally, show appreciation for the work done. Acknowledge the effort and time taken, and provide feedback on what went well and areas for improvement. Showing appreciation encourages your coworkers to continue doing their best work and makes delegation a positive experience.

In conclusion, delegation is a valuable skill that can benefit anyone in the workplace. By identifying suitable tasks, communicating clearly, providing support, trusting the person you delegated to, and showing appreciation, you can effectively delegate tasks and improve efficiency in the workplace. Remember, delegation is a collaborative process that requires open communication, trust, and appreciation.

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.

Teams 365 #3412: Productivity tips for today’s workspace

5/8/2023

There’s a lot of talk in today’s working space about productivity and getting things done. The topic has been a fascination of mine for many years, and I’m a believer and advocate for the PLANDOTRACK principles of “Daily Steps + Consistent Action = Momentum”. It’s often these small consistent actions that really get us going!

I thought it would be interesting to leave this week’s blog posts to Chat GPT to write so here’s what it responded when I asked for productivity tips for today’s workspace:

Productivity is an essential component of a successful workplace. Whether you work in an office or remotely, it can be challenging to stay focused and motivated throughout the day. However, with a few productivity tips and tricks, you can improve your output and achieve your goals more efficiently.

Plan and prioritize your tasks To maximize productivity, it's essential to plan and prioritize your tasks. Take some time at the beginning of each day to create a to-do list and rank your tasks in order of importance. This way, you can tackle the most critical tasks first and avoid wasting time on less important ones.
Take breaks It's easy to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks. However, taking regular breaks can improve your productivity and creativity. Consider taking a short break every hour or so to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or chat with a coworker.
Use the right tools Having the right tools can significantly impact your productivity. Whether it's a specific software program or a comfortable office chair, investing in the right tools can make a huge difference in your daily work output.
Minimize distractions Distractions can significantly impact your productivity, so it's essential to minimize them as much as possible. Consider closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, turning off notifications, or using noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise.
Set boundaries Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining productivity. This can include setting specific work hours, turning off your work phone or email after hours, or designating specific times for meetings and collaboration.
Practice self-care Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining productivity in the workplace. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet to keep your mind and body in peak condition.
Learn to delegate Learning to delegate tasks can significantly improve your productivity. Don't be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks to coworkers or team members who are better suited to handle them.

In conclusion, productivity is crucial for success in today's workplaces. By implementing these productivity tips and tricks, you can improve your output, stay focused, and achieve your goals more efficiently. Remember, it's all about finding the right balance between work and self-care, so take care of yourself and your productivity will thrive.

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.

Teams 365 #3411: Week in Review

5/7/2023

Saturday - Weekly Reflection

Friday Flashback - #TEAMS365 #816: RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS WEEK'S #REMOTE /#VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP A- Z

Thursday – Helping Teams Become More Agile in their Teamwork Practices and Approaches

Wednesday - Agile or Flexibility in the Workspace? What's most important?

Tuesday – What can work look like if we incorporate more agile practices

Monday - Welcome to May and Our Monthly Reflection and Goal Setting

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.

Teams 365 #3410: Weekly Reflection

5/6/2023

Agile is not a destination, it's a journey of continuous improvement that requires experimentation, reflection, and a commitment to learning." - Mary Poppendieck

This week we took a dive into the topic of agile work, mindsets and practices. In a world which is ever-changing, agile approaches an methodologies can support us with more flexible workspaces.

Today’s weekly reflection invites you to think about the prompt “What elements of agile might I adopt in my work”

Here’s a final quote for today which may inspire your learning:
"Agile methodology is not just a process, it's a mindset shift that requires collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change." - Scott Ambler
Enjoy the conversation and reflection!

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.

teams 365 #3409: Friday Flashback - #TEAMS365 #816: RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS WEEK'S #REMOTE /#VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP A- Z

5/5/2023

Over the last few weeks I've focused on a number of key areas important for virtual and team leaders. I thought it would be interesting in today's post to point you to some resources for those that are interested in learning more about the various topics I've touched on so far:

Virtual/Remote Leadership a - Agile, AdaptableAdaptable:
Coaching Agile TEams - Lyssa Adkins

Virtual/Remotes Leadership b - Boundaries
First Things First: Steven Covey and Merrill and Merrill

Virtual/Remote Leadership C - Communication
Virtual Teams: Mastering Communication and Collaboration in the Digital age

Virtual/Remote Leadership d - Disiplined and Dedicated:

Virtual/Remote Leaderrship e - Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success - Steven J. Stein and Howard E Book

Virtual/Remote Leadership f - Frank and Feedback
Thanks for the Feedback - the Art and Science of Receiving Feedback - Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen

Virtual/Remote Leadership g - Genuine
Authentic Leadership - Bill George

Enjoy your weekend,
Jennifer

Best wishes,
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Twitter @Teams365
Phone: (416)996-8326

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.

Teams 365 #3408: Helping Teams Become More Agile in their Teamwork Practices and Approaches

5/4/2023

In today's fast-paced business environment, teams need to be agile to keep up with changing requirements and demands. Agile methodology has become increasingly popular for software development, but it can also be applied to other areas of teamwork. Here are some tips to help teams become more agile in their teamwork practices and approaches.

1. Adopt an Agile Mindset
The first step in becoming more agile is to adopt an agile mindset. This means valuing collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Team members should be open to feedback and willing to adapt to changing circumstances. They should focus on delivering value quickly and continuously learning from their experiences.

2. Break Projects into Smaller Pieces
Agile methodology emphasizes breaking down projects into smaller pieces, called sprints. Each sprint lasts a few weeks and focuses on delivering a specific set of features or functionality. Breaking projects down into sprints helps teams to stay focused, reduces the risk of delays, and allows for quick course-correction if necessary.

3. Prioritize Collaboration and Communication
Agile methodology places a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication. Teams should work together closely, sharing knowledge and solving problems collectively. Daily stand-up meetings can be an effective way to keep everyone on the same page, identify any roadblocks, and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.

4. Use Visual Management Tools
Visual management tools like kanban boards can help teams to track their progress, identify bottlenecks, and make sure everyone is on the same page. They allow team members to see at a glance what needs to be done, what is in progress, and what has been completed.

5. Embrace Continuous Improvement
Agile methodology is all about continuous improvement. Teams should regularly reflect on their processes and make changes based on what they learn. Retrospectives can be an effective way to do this, allowing team members to share feedback and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, becoming more agile in teamwork practices and approaches requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to experiment and learn. By breaking projects down into smaller pieces, prioritizing collaboration and communication, using visual management tools, and embracing continuous improvement, teams can become more agile and better equipped to meet the demands of today's fast-paced business environment.

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.

Teams 365 #3407: Agile or Flexibility in the Workspace? What's most important?

5/3/2023

The concept of flexibility in the workplace has been gaining popularity over the years, with companies offering more flexible working hours, remote work options, and other perks that prioritize work-life balance. At the same time, agile methodologies have been on the rise, particularly in the software development industry. So, which is more important in the workplace: agility or flexibility?

Agility refers to the ability to adapt quickly to change, to pivot when necessary, and to work collaboratively to deliver value in a timely manner. Flexibility, on the other hand, refers to the ability to work in a way that accommodates an employee's lifestyle, including things like flexible working hours, remote work options, and other non-traditional arrangements.

While both agility and flexibility are important, it's hard to say which is more important overall. The answer depends on the company's specific needs and goals. However, it's worth exploring the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Agility can be particularly important in fast-paced industries where change happens quickly, like technology or healthcare. In these industries, being able to adapt quickly can be the difference between success and failure. Agile methodologies can help teams work together more effectively, break down projects into manageable chunks, and pivot as necessary.

On the other hand, flexibility can be particularly important in industries where work-life balance is a priority, such as education or non-profit work. Flexible working hours or remote work options can make it easier for employees to manage their personal lives while still meeting their work obligations.

That being said, there are some drawbacks to each approach. For example, an overly-agile workplace can be chaotic and stressful, with constant change making it difficult for employees to keep up. On the other hand, an overly-flexible workplace can lead to communication and collaboration challenges, as team members may not be working at the same time or in the same physical location.

Ultimately, the key is finding the right balance between agility and flexibility. It's important for companies to understand their specific needs and goals, and to design their workplace policies and practices accordingly. By doing so, they can create a workplace that is both adaptable and accommodating, allowing employees to be productive and fulfilled.

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326

Check out my TEDx talk

Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.