We are going to take a look at the supportive role that a manager has for his/her team.
This is especially crucial when the team is going through its initial development.

There are five key areas to explore. For today's blog we will take a look at two of these:

• Say "We" Instead of "I"
• Active Listening

Say "We" Instead of "I"

• The language a manager uses when talking with his team often reveals his attitude toward teams. Sometimes just one word can reveal it!! For example: instead of saying, "You are in danger of missing the deliverable date,'' say, "We are in danger of missing the deliverable date.''
• the fact is Once you have said something or communicated it nonverbally, you cannot take it back.

Active Listening

• This is more difficult than it is :-)
• When you are listening focus on the message and not "who the person is'' as you may have some preconceived views about the person that will prevent you from actively listening.
• Train yourself to only concentrate on what the other person is saying.
• Listen not only to the words but also the emotions—they may reveal more than the actual words do.

Hi Justin,
yea I agree that a supportive manager is key even if the team are mature as they will meet many challenges!
A couple of comments to add:
- A manager needs to also watch for the non-verbal signs given; Quite often a particular facial expression, an irate look, lack of eye contact, a roll of the eyes, or a sarcastic tone sends a totally different message to team members!!
- In respect to active listening. I was reminded of 4 things: 1. Alway clarify what you have heard 2. Acknowledge the speaker 3. probe the speaker to check the scope of what you have heard and finally 4. summarise what you have heard to verify that you are both on the same page!

Hi Neville and Justin

I personally think that a manager has a very tough job as they often want/need to jump in and do the talking :-).

I very much admire the manager who relies on the team's contributions/knowledge to shape the discussions and if necessary, step in and make the decision.

If anyone watches Star Trek next Generation, you will see that withh Captain Picard who listens to his crew and then says 'make that so!'

Sally

Hi Justin - interesting article, thanks. Some additional comments to this:
I think good lines of communication are critical also.
I always admire a manager who communicates clearly, especially where the message and content is complex!
Regards
James Bruce

Hello Neville, good feedback and valid comments, thank you!

Lets take a look at the other important areas:

Feedback (360 degrees!)
- a good manager will always get feedback from his colleagues to check his/her progress with the team and co-workers.
- in some organisations, this type of feedback is considered for yearly performance reviews
- important consideration here is the person who gives the feedback is someone whom the manager highly trusts and feels is skilled in giving feedback.

Knowledge
- staff will always be asking for feedback on the work related items they are doing or will be asking for advice, so it is important to keep up-to-date on the business processes and product.
- recommend the manager takes time out on a daily basis to research the business
- focus should be on understanding the business models, processes and working enviornment the team faces and then look wider a field (internet, books) to come up with improvements, new approaches that will help the team.

Do my team members trust me?
- Trust is an integral part of building high-performing teams
- this will not happen overnight
- You build trust by demonstrating effective leadership skills on a daily basis, this is the important strategy you need to do.
- You build trust by showing that you care and are concerned about your team.
- You build trust by allowing your team members to make mistakes and learn from their mistakes instead of punishing them.

Great feedback James, thank you.
I just want to add some additional notes on communication if I may:
Try and deliver the message in a timely manner so it is new news and deemed to be of value. Ideally you want to ensure a two way communciation channel exists between you and your team to folow up if needed.