7 Strategies to Unlock Your Team’s Potential

If your business is going to grow and prosper, it’s essential to harness the power of your team.  Unlocking your team’s potential is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that involves trust, empowerment, and continuous growth. We’ve compiled the top 7 strategies to help you unlock your team’s potential and drive your organization toward future success.

1. Lead them to build self-knowledge

   At DMA, we talk a healthy amount about self-discovery tools like the RHETI Enneagram and the Working Genius Assessment because they have quite literally changed our culture in an impactful way. When we’re at work, we are expected to connect effectively and communicate accordingly with others.  How can we do this if we lack self-awareness?

2. Provide feedback regularly and often

   Many people wait six months to a year to formally address their teams to provide feedback and offer ways to improve their performance.  We believe that regularly scheduled meetings coupled with helpful input is a great way to avoid surprises in work settings and helps people get where they need to go faster!

3. Let others coach your team

   Looking at other avenues where various leaders are present and can teach or coach members of your team is a great way to improve their learning and unlock their full potential.  I will never forget the day I sat in an auditorium listening to Dave Ramsey speak about leadership.  I was transformed in my seat and left the event feeling motivated, inspired, and ready to put his words into action.  All of this for $300.  What a bargain in exchange for life-altering lessons!

4. Gain an outside perspective on you

   If you’re a leader, I’m talking to you.  Sometimes we can’t see what we can’t see.  Allowing other professionals to connect with you and learn more about your leadership style is a great way to learn about yourself and unlock your own potential when leading a team.  Avenues are available whether you choose personal one-on-one coaching or peer-to-peer groups where healthy and honest exchanges take place.

5. Help your team see others for who they are

   Once we’ve gained more intelligence about who we are as individuals, it’s important to go one step further by observing and learning about the people in your life.  For leaders committed to becoming better every day, this is a selfless act that builds empathy and adds meaning to “why” people behave the way that they do.  Everyone is wired differently and you don’t have to be a genius to know this truth.  But for some reason, our default need is for everyone to see and process things the way that we do.  Can’t happen… but what you CAN DO is first know yourself, then get to know others in a similar way.  Once you’ve taken a helpful assessment like I mentioned above, take an additional step and test your team to determine their motivations, fears, and dreams so you’re all working in unison instead of against one another. 

6. Recognize and reward achievement

   Acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of your team members can boost morale and motivation. Recognize their hard work and contributions through verbal praise, fun awards, or other incentives (our team likes Starbucks gift cards). A culture of appreciation and recognition fosters a positive atmosphere where team members are inspired to excel.

7. Lead by example

   Leadership plays a pivotal role in unlocking your team’s potential! Lead by example, demonstrating the values, work ethic, and behavior you expect from your team. Your actions will set the tone for the team’s culture and work ethic, inspiring them to follow your lead.

Want to hear more about leadership?  We have a podcast that I’d love to invite you to listen to.  The Self Smarter Podcast was created to help fellow leaders like you find community and support in your leadership journey – no matter your age or experience. Join us every Monday for a new episode!