With summer fast approaching, it means one thing: wedding season. Yes, weddings take place throughout the entire year, but there seems to be something about summertime and warm weather that has brides and grooms running to the altar.
Whether it’s a beach wedding or a two-hour traditional catholic affair, all weddings are showcasing commitment at its best.
Well, if there’s one thing you can take from wedding season, other than the fact everyone loves to play the song “Shout!”, it’s that marriages need a hefty dose of commitment to be successful. The same thought applies to your team at work.
General morale is highly correlated to the commitment of the work group. When people feel supported, acknowledged and respected for their work, they are likely to be committed to reaching their goals and remain loyal to the organization.
Obviously, you want your team to be dedicated to their work and the company, but this doesn’t just happen on its own, managers have a major impact on the behaviors that increase commitment. Your team members look to you to set the pace and provide a role model for hard work and quality. So if you want your team members to be fully on board and committed, you better make sure you are just as committed as well.
The problem is that after so many years at the same company, it’s easy to get in a rut and just do the minimum. If you think you and your team are going down that path, it is time to rigorously pursue the reasons for low commitment. Why have your team members given up? Are you contributing to the problem? What are the core issues? How will you address them?
When people are committed, they will work hard because they like the organization and are challenged by the work that they do. Some key ways to showcase your own commitment is to facilitate an atmosphere characterized by trust, honesty, frequent and direct feedback, fair evaluations, and recognition and respect for one’s contributions.
Believe that you have the power to make a difference, and accept the responsibility of trying. Here are some others ways to make sure you and your team are truly committed:
Establishing a committed team may enhance your reputation as an excellent leader. Your contributions will be perceived as making a difference to the whole organization, not just your own group. That is something everyone should strive to commit to.