How do you keep score? How does your team keep score? What
does winning look like? Are these questions you immediately have an answer for,
or do they make you stop and think? Do you have an answer at all? We believe
this is one of the most critical factors in human engagement. We think it’s
true at home, at work and even where we play.
The best leaders help people understand what a win looks
like and how to get there. Wins come in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few
principles to consider as you help your team and yourself answer the important
question: What constitutes a win?
A win must be
quantifiable. How will you measure your progress? How will you know if you
win? Unclear victories can demotivate even the strongest individual and team.
As a leader, you may need to create milestones that can be measured and
achieved to boost the energy of your team. A win defined as 10 new customers
this month is better than we need more customers.
A win should require
a stretch. Yes, there is such a thing as a “cheap win” – a victory that was
achieved with little effort or thought. These are not the type we are
advocating. These wins generally don’t help people grow or feel long-term
satisfaction. A win that requires people’s best efforts are inherently
motivating.
A win needs to
matter. Small visions stir no man’s soul; neither do wins that don’t
matter. You probably shouldn’t consider it a win if you show up for work. What
will really contribute to your growth and/or the growth of your organisation?
The answer is a candidate for a win. A Win: Raise revenues by 10% at year-end
to avoid layoff.
A win should build
confidence. What are the wins that will help you do this? Think about wins
for individuals and the team. What is challenging but not insurmountable? What
could serve as a stepping-stone to bigger wins?
A win should be
achievable. Have you ever tried to accomplish the impossible? These
situations are not win-win – they are lose-lose. The organisation and the individual
both lose. If a win is achievable, it can motivate performance.
A win should
ultimately serve the larger good. Most appropriate wins help the
individual, but the best ones also help the team, the organisation or beyond.
People long to be part of something bigger than themselves. As leaders, when we
can help connect the dots between the immediate task and the larger good,
people love it!
Think about the next 30 days; 90 days; 12 months – what does
a win look like for you? What does a win look like for your team? Perhaps
you’ll want to establish several. Don’t wait. The sooner you define them, the
sooner you can pursue them. Enjoy the journey!
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