Editorial
Welcome to Courage Coach, where expert columnist Karin Hurt answers readers' tough leadership challenges with practical tools and techniques you can use right away. Have a question for her? Drop her a line!
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Dear Courage Coach,
I’ve always felt like I shouldn’t have to “sell” my team’s accomplishments to higher management. I mean, the work should speak for itself, right? Here’s the thing. This year has been extraordinary for us, we’re exceeding on all our metrics, plus have made some significant process improvements that will make us even better next year.
And… we haven’t heard boo about it. Not a “thank you.” No “great job.” I don’t mean to sound snarky, but some of the teams that are getting recognized around here are doing way less than us. I’m worried that if I don’t do something to get my team better exposure, we’re all going to be screwed. What should I do?
Signed,
Longing for a Fist Bump
Dear LFAFB,
Boom! Fist bumps for dropping such fire and appreciating your team. And I get it. It would be great if your team’s work would get noticed organically. But since that’s not happening, let’s talk about some ways to get your team’s accomplishments noticed.
4 Ways to Showcase Your Team’s Accomplishments
1. Become the Hero of Their Top-of-Mind Story
Back in my Verizon days, I was very concerned about getting my team better recognition for their accomplishments. It wasn’t easy. We had just had a big organizational shake-up, and my boss got a new boss (whom I’d never met). Everyone was too busy to pay attention.
If you want to hear the whole remarkable story about how I bumped into the new guy in an elevator, right after teaching 300 people how to give better elevator speeches, you can find that here…
The moral of the story? Be prepared when someone asks, “what’s your deal,” or “how are you?” and answer, "How am I? I’m doing great," and then explain why.
“You know that thing you care about, (insert big strategic company priority here, e.g. better CX, increased productivity, or quality)? We’ve been all over that this year. Here’s what we’ve done and why it matters.”
Prepare your team for these mini-showcase moments too.
2. Communicate Your Progress Consistently Through Multiple Channels
Provide regular updates on your team’s progress. You might even use this 5x5 communication strategy. Position your message carefully, ensuring you craft the message so it feels helpful to the audience: “I know how important customer experience is to future sales, so here’s some great CX trends you can share in your pitches.”
Or, “I know we’ve got some pressure on margin right now, here’s what we’re doing over here to increase productivity and reduce overtime. One best practice we’ve found particularly useful is…”
By articulating your accomplishments well, you’ll boost your credibility and demonstrate the value your team brings.
Additionally, by regularly reviewing your progress (and inviting feedback), you’ll be well prepared to adjust your approach as circumstances change. That way you ensure your team remains aligned with strategic objectives.
Related Article: Courage Coach: How to Reset Performance Expectations for Your Team
3. Build Cross-Functional Relationships With Other Departments
Help your team build deeper, collaborative relationships with other departments. When the grapevine is buzzing with tales of your team's magic, leaders will naturally tune in.
Plus, when you have tighter relationships with your peeps in finance, HR or IT, you’ll be in the loop about company priorities from multiple perspectives. This helps better align your work with strategic priorities (see tip #1). Which, in turn, helps gain support from senior leadership,
Be sure you also help other departments gain visibility and recognition. By working together and sharing successes, you can create a positive feedback loop that benefits everyone involved.
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4. Host a Bring a Big Wig to Work Day
Get those top folks to pop by at a meeting. Showcase your awesomeness — it’s not showing off if it’s real, right? But keep these power pointers in mind:
- Honesty is the best policy — no fluff.
- Be ready to answer obvious questions like “why do you do it that way?”
- Spell out the agenda crystal clear.
- Respect the clock.
- Let numbers talk — data is your wingman.
- Showcase team member’s strengths and how they work together to make the ultimate dream team.
You are absolutely doing the right thing by trying to get your team recognized for the important work they do. You get more of what you encourage and celebrate, and less of what you ignore. A little visibility for your team’s accomplishments, will spark creativity, innovation and more courage.
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