Powerback 10: Supporting Your Tribe

On this week's #powerback, we are talking all about supporting your tribe.

Ultimately, at the end of the day, the strength of your company is relying on the strength of the people that are within it. And I'm sure you've heard that saying that if you're the smartest person in the room that you're in the wrong room. I take a lot of pride in the fact that my teammates are way better at a lot of different things than I am, and they rely on me to be great at something different than they are. But one of the biggest problems that I see within companies (and honestly just in humanity) is the lack of communication.

When people stop talking, people start assuming. And when people start assuming, really kind of shit-tastic things can happen - particularly in the workplace.

If your employees don't feel like they can come to you with a thought, an idea, or a concern, then there is a communication disconnect. You could really be missing out on some valuable information that they have to contribute to the team, and they could be missing out on an opportunity that could really help excel them. So this week, I want you to take your #powerback by supporting your tribe as the owner.

It's easy to get wrapped up in the overall day to day vision of "How are we going to do this? What's going on? Who do I need to call back?" or the thousand other things that are ever-evolving on your list. One of your most important responsibilities, however, is to keep your finger on the pulse. Because your team is the heartbeat of your company, so you want to ensure that you are accessible for them.

Especially in a high tide season when there's a lot of work going on, there's a lot of deadlines, there's a lot of stress, there's a lot of pressure. Make sure that they know that you're willing to come down and get into the trenches with them and that you're not afraid to roll up your sleeves, get in there, take a task off their plate, help alleviate something, answer questions - whatever it is that they need from you to be successful. Make sure that they know that it is available to them.

We have a saying in our office, "I need you to throw me a red flag whenever you need me", because if they're drowning or feel like they're overwhelmed or they're not certain of something, I have created a culture where they know that they can do that and tell me that and we'll figure out a plan to overcome it. But that's on you. You have to vocalize and help them understand. You have to not only say but also act in that same manner so that they know to come to you if and when they need help.

Make sure that they know that you are there to help and guide them when they need you the most. When everyone knows that everyone has one another's backs, they feel more confident in taking risks, they feel more excited to try new things. And when they know that they have your support and backing to do those things, some of the most amazing accomplishments can be made together. So this week, I want you to evaluate your time.

How are you making yourself accessible to your team? What is something that they could use you on more? What types of things were once important to you, but the stress and the time and the demand of the business got in the way?

Make yourself accessible to your team and remind them that you are here to support them in any way they need.

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