Empower Your Leadership Journey through Effective Teaching was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Managing a team isn’t merely overseeing tasks; it’s about being a hands-on instructor, coach, and trusted advisor.
It’s about fostering generative conversations rather than delivering lectures and focusing on teaching rather than just supervision. It often means dedicating 70% to 90% of your time to effective communication with your team and stakeholders, all in pursuit of your company’s success.
However, while junior managers often grasp the significance of KPIs and oversight, they sometimes overlook the profound impact they can have as teachers and mentors.
This article will explore why teaching should be a cornerstone of your executive and senior leadership approach and provide insights on becoming a more effective manager.
The 7 Principles of Team Management and Teaching
Cultivate Personal Connections
In a 2011 study on organizational behavior, Harvard Business School’s Amy Cuddy discovered that leaders are most effective when they demonstrate competence and warmth.
Building close, one-on-one relationships through frequent communication is crucial for creating a comfortable working environment. Personalized, one-on-one instruction fosters familiarity and allows you to address individual needs, enhancing team cohesion.
2. Champion Integrity
Even though the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a slight rise when it comes to trust in authoritative figures, it still shows that trust in organizations is declining.
As a leader, you must demonstrate commitment to your team’s success and earn their trust. Upholding ethical standards lays the foundation for faith. Be forthright with your team, embody the values you wish to see in them and engage in open dialogue.
3. Mentor and Advocate
A great teacher doesn’t simply impart knowledge but helps students uncover their potential and chart their career paths. Learn your team’s goals and encourage them to evaluate their progress continually.
During one-on-one meetings, discuss their short- and long-term objectives, instill purpose, and motivate them to define their contributions to the organization.
4. Embrace the Socratic Method
Socrates believed in using probing questions to uncover the truth.
Business leaders can adapt this cooperative approach by asking their team questions that stimulate new perspectives and brainstorming. Interactive discussions enhance engagement and improve information retention.
5. Encourage Self-Determination
Rather than dictating tasks, explain objectives and encourage employees to devise their solutions. Think of yourself as a facilitator, empowering your team to solve problems autonomously.
6. Foster Accessibility
Effective teaching is often informal and arises organically during daily tasks. Be accessible to your team, integrating work processes across employment tiers. By immersing yourself in their world, you’ll identify teachable moments when lessons are most relevant and memorable.
7. Step Out of the Office
René Redzepi, co-owner of Noma restaurant in Copenhagen, inspires creativity by relocating his staff to explore new cuisines and cultures. Similarly, you can break routines by taking your team for lunch or participating in off-site activities. This change in environment can stimulate fresh thinking and foster meaningful conversations.
A Culture of Continuous Learning
The most effective leaders challenge their team members to grow continuously.
As a teacher, you can guide even seasoned staff to new heights in their careers. To determine what to teach, ask your team about their learning interests. By expanding your team’s skillset, you’ll help them master new abilities, develop independence, and refine problem-solving skills, ultimately contributing to a more vital, more productive workforce.
