I SOUND LIKE A BROKEN RECORD

Ever feel like you’re a broken record at work? That you say things over and over again and still aren’t getting the results you expect?

I mean, how difficult is it to ask your team to smile and greet clients when they come in? You stand up, demonstrate it, and time and time again, you catch them slouching or greeting clients as if it’s an Olympic event.

Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!!! Sound familiar? Can you relate?

Two weeks ago, for the first time in a long time, I had a meeting with a team I manage, and you’re not going to believe what I said. I’m almost embarrassed to tell you, but I feel the only way we’ll learn and grow is by sharing the real stuff.

I said to them all (20 of them sitting in front of me, looking to me as their leader for guidance and motivation): “I’m not sure what to say or do with you anymore. I have no words and no energy to do this. I feel like it’s years of me giving, giving, giving, and all you do is take, take, take, and I’m tired of saying the same things month after month.”

Omg, can you even believe I said this? Well, I did, and guess what? I STUFFED UP.

So here are a few very important tips for you that I wish someone had shared with me the morning before that meeting.

But don’t worry too much; I fixed it. I called a meeting last week and came back with a vengeance, and I have a strong, motivated FLYING TEAM AGAIN.

Five Important Points for a Thriving Team:

1. Set Clear Expectations: Make sure everyone knows what’s expected of them and why it matters. Clarity is key!
2. Engage Them in the Process: Get your team involved in creating solutions. When they have a hand in it, they’re more likely to buy in.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and reward even the smallest successes. It boosts morale and keeps the motivation flowing.
4. Keep the Lines of Communication Open: Encourage feedback and create a safe space for team members to express their thoughts and ideas.
5. Lead by Example: Show them what you want to see. Your actions can inspire and motivate more than your words ever will.

And lastly, if you do sound like a broken record, here are a few tips to do things a little differently to get different results:

Five Ideas to Change the Game:

1. Change Your Environment: Sometimes a change of scenery can spark fresh ideas and energy. Try holding a meeting outside or in a different room!
2. Mix Up Your Communication Style: Instead of traditional meetings, try a casual brainstorming session with snacks. Who doesn’t love snacks?
3. Use Humor: A little laughter can go a long way. Lighten the mood with some funny icebreakers or team-building games.
4. Incorporate Visuals: Use charts, videos, or images to convey your message. A picture is worth a thousand words, right?
5. Set Fun Challenges: Create a friendly competition among team members. A little rivalry can boost motivation and results!

So, there you have it! We all have those moments when we feel like we’re stuck on repeat, but remember, it’s never too late to switch things up and find your groove again. Whether it’s shaking up your approach, engaging your team in new ways, or even just taking a breath and refocusing, you’ve got the power to turn the tide. So let’s ditch the “broken record” syndrome and make this week a masterpiece instead!

Until next time, keep smiling, keep shining, and let’s make some magic happen together!

Love you,

Marisa