Whether you manage a team of 1 or 100, it takes care and effort to get the best out of them. A passive approach won’t cut it if you want them to excel. They need the right training, guidance and support to succeed.

Lolly Daskal, a renowned executive leadership coach and consultant, says great leaders know that their employees are their most valuable assets. Getting the most out of them requires innovative and thoughtful strategies.

In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Daskal’s guidance for understanding your employees’ unique motivations and getting the best out of them.

1. Create a culture of growth and challenge. Promo pros are smart people. Make sure you challenge them appropriately. Daskal advises encouraging your team members to take on new challenges, explore innovative solutions and push the boundaries.

    2. Give them independence. When you’re working with highly intelligent people, autonomy matters more than ever. Give your team members the autonomy to own their projects and the freedom to work how they want. Daskal says this not only boosts their confidence but also fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability.

    3. Encourage healthy dialogue. According to Daskal, the best leaders encourage open discussions and healthy debates within their teams. It’s OK if people have different viewpoints. Be open to hearing everyone’s thoughts and foster an environment where constructive criticism is welcomed. She says this can help you tap into your team’s diverse perspectives, which can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.

    4. Be generous in giving kudos. Everyone wants to feel like they make a difference. Appreciation and recognition are fundamental human needs that drive performance and satisfaction, Daskal says. Take time to recognize the good work you see. Whether through formal recognition programs with promo or simple spoken words of appreciation, celebrating people’s accomplishments inspires continued high performance.

    5. Give them chances to collaborate. Promo pros may excel as individuals, but working with others can lead to even greater results. Daskal recommends creating opportunities for your team members to share their expertise and work together. This allows for cross-pollination of ideas and a more cohesive team.

    Great leadership is more than just managing tasks — it’s nurturing and developing your staff members. Aim to create a culture of continuous learning and give your employees room to try new approaches. It’s also important to create opportunities for collaboration and to celebrate achievements. When you’re intentional about getting the best out of your team, you can help them reach new heights.

    Compiled by Audrey Sellers
    Source: Lolly Daskal is the founder of Lead from Within, a global leadership and consulting firm. She’s a renowned executive leadership coach and consultant