As a leader, you probably spend a good portion of your time putting out fires or addressing problems. When it comes to your team members, you may work most often with those who are struggling, those who are learning a new role or those who have become your go-to people.
Ben Brearley, a leader, coach and consultant, says you shouldn’t overlook some other team members who may not get as much of your time but who also need your attention.
In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we highlight five underrated team members that leaders should acknowledge more often.
1. The social organizer. These employees might plan your next work event or team lunch or rally your team to take part in a fundraising effort. Often, these events aren’t necessarily about work. However, different social gatherings can play a big part in maintaining and strengthening the social fabric of a team. Social organizers work to create forums that bring people together and get them talking, participating in activities that help strengthen relationships and team bonds. You might fail to appreciate these workers because the things they bring together are not about work. However, Brearley says they deserve a shout-out for what they do.
2. The quiet achiever. Do you have a high-performing team member who never makes a fuss? They don’t demand your attention or flaunt their accomplishments. When you think about what they do, you can’t think of a time they didn’t deliver for you. Brearley says that while these professionals might be quiet and may not push their opinions on others, they excel at getting their work done, which is always cause for appreciation.
3. The nine-to-fiver. Many leaders are quick to praise workers who put in extra hours because they want to progress and deliver. But Brearley encourages leaders to remember the workers who do their jobs well during work hours and go home on time, every day. They may not spend nights and weekends at the office, but they give you stability. They keep their work steady, so you don’t have to worry about it.
4. The comedian. The office funny guy or gal makes people laugh and keeps the mood light. It’s not technically part of their job description, but they do it anyway. Work can be stressful and having people on your team who can lighten the mood and keep things upbeat are valuable. Even in times of trouble, they’ll make a crafty quip and get people giggling, even if it’s just for a few seconds. Brearley wants leaders to show some love to the comedians in the office, because the workplace is just a little less fun without them.
5. The nurturer. Leaders know the importance of showing support for their team members. Sometimes we can’t quite find the time to spend with everyone, which is where the nurturer comes in. The nurturer will help your team by providing support for their colleagues. This might mean having a coffee to discuss a bad meeting or lending a hand when a personal problem is affecting a colleague. These people care about people, and they make your team a better place. According to Brearley, managers should take time to commend the nurturers on their team.
It takes all kinds of personalities to keep a team running well. Be sure to show appreciation to all those on your team who contribute value in their own way.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Ben Brearley is a leader, manager, MBA, coach and consultant passionate about developing thoughtful and effective leaders, with a focus on improving time management, building leader self-confidence and understanding what motivates team members.
