How to develop your teams and become a better manager

This article will describe a method to help you provide better feedback to people in your business.

One key goal of a manager is the development of their teams. Feedback is a critical tool to help you guide team members to learn and improve.

Unfortunately, so many managers fail to provide insightful feedback.

Intentional observation.

Here are some reasons why managers fail to generate useful advice.

• They tend to take over the meetings
• They find candid feedback awkward
• Lack of time spent thinking and planning feedback

There is another way but you need to be intentional.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Schedule time to observe

For you to determine important feedback, you need to assign time.

Identify some opportunities or meetings where you can specifically join in the role of an observer. You are not there to lead the meeting, but simply to observe how the team are interacting and working.

Step 2: Write notes

During your observation session, take detailed notes.

The best feedback draws on specific examples, I liked where you said XXX or I noticed that you struggled with YYY.

Step 3: Introduce the feedback

Next, schedule a one-on-one session with the employee.

Start the session by explaining that you want to provide feedback to help them. Then take them through both strengths and development needs and from your notes give the specific examples which you observed.

Give them some tips, advice, templates for the development areas

Step 3: Clarify and reflect

Finally wrap up by asking them if you can clarify anything or if they have any questions, comments or feedback for you.

By taking the time to focus on developing your team you will strengthen your organisation and the business outcomes.

Your people are your biggest asset.