Even a non-cyclist can appreciate the magnitude of winning the Tour de France. A lot of work and dedication is required to reach the ultimate success in cycling. Team work is integral to success.
During the Tour, there is no greater display of teamwork than in a team time trial, where nine riders complete the course with seamless precision. Based on careful pre-selection and honed with intense training, the team hurtles along at speeds unsustainable by individual riders.
Unfortunately many professional practices don’t display the same sense of purpose and performance as a team dedicated to winning the Tour. Instead, these firms resemble a group of friends out for a weekend training ride. Although the core activity is the same as high performers, in these bunches the emphasis is just as much on socialising and stopping for coffee. En route, the better riders wait for slower members, never going “full gas” for fear of causing divisions in the bunch.
So too at the office, your team members come in, do the tasks assigned and likely enjoy the banter that goes on. You may be frustrated that no one extends themselves, shows initiative or commits to taking the firm forward. Yet this sleepy situation is understandable, given you haven’t told the team what the destination is, when the firm needs to get there and what route to follow.
If your team currently accepts members who don’t pull their weight, it may be because you haven’t set benchmarks and ignore poor performance. Perhaps your team is handicapped by outdated equipment, little training and poor communication. You may also need to recruit fresh talent to raise the capability. Strong leadership is required to set a bold, exciting objective that captures the team’s imagination. Disciplined management is essential to deliver on the mission.
Interestingly, winning teams find it easier to attract and pay for high performers. All energies in such teams are focused on achieving first place. All contributions are actively considered, debated and decided. All team members sign on knowing the overall goal and the role they are expected to fill in achieving it. Everyone commits to the vision of being at the pinnacle of their profession.
So, if you’re wondering when your team will lift a gear or what it will take to get someone to take their turn at the front, it’s time for you as the leader to revisit the mission.
