For leaders who say “it’s taking too long”
If you hear yourself or your leaders say:
⏰ “It’s taking too long to make decisions”
⏰ “It’s taking too long to move our project forward”
...then it's time for change.
Finding alignment as a team can be tough, especially when different perspectives and priorities come into play. However, to drive change, create momentum, and foster a culture of growth, leaders must actively engage and set the stage for success. Here's how to get started:
👂🏻 Get Curious
Embrace curiosity over judgment. When something is taking longer than expected, ask questions instead of making assumptions. Dive deep into the reasons behind delays or decision paralysis. What obstacles are your team members facing? Are there processes or systems that are slowing them down?
Be open to learning from your team. Engage in active listening and be willing to hear different perspectives. Leaders who are genuinely curious create an environment of trust, where challenges can be openly discussed, and solutions can emerge more quickly.
⚡️ Set Clear Expectations
Clarity is key. Ambiguity slows progress and fosters uncertainty. Ensure that each team member knows exactly what success looks like, and what the timelines and deliverables are. Clearly define roles and responsibilities to avoid confusion and misalignment.
Prioritize goals and communicate them effectively. Break down larger objectives into smaller, actionable steps. This not only helps people stay focused but also builds momentum as progress is made incrementally.
👋🏼 Give Productive Feedback
Feedback is fuel for growth. To drive change, leaders must provide timely and actionable feedback. Celebrate wins, but also be prepared to have honest conversations about what's not working. Constructive feedback pushes people to improve and helps teams course-correct quickly.
Foster a feedback culture. Encourage your team to share feedback with each other, not just from the top down. This creates a sense of shared ownership and continuous improvement.
✨ Leave Space for Others to Share Their Ideas
Collaboration sparks innovation. As a leader, it's vital to create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard. Encourage team members to share their ideas, even if they challenge the status quo. The best solutions often come from unexpected places.
Lead with humility. Recognize that you don’t have all the answers. Empower your team to take ownership of ideas and solutions. When people feel that their contributions are valued, they are more likely to be invested in driving change and moving projects forward.
By incorporating these practices, leaders can create the right environment for momentum to build. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with curiosity, clarity, feedback, and inclusivity, you can unlock your team’s potential and accelerate progress.
Reach out. Let's talk. Tell me about where change feels tough in your team and we’ll go there together.
