As a manager, you have to rely on your staff to meet goals and expectations. Sometimes, that’s easier said than done. Objectives can go unmet, deadlines unfulfilled and projects sit idle all because a team isn’t operating at peak efficiency.

To help ensure yours isn’t one of them, here are 5 tips to help you make the right moves and lead your team to success:

1. Look to another successful team.

If there’s another team at your company that is the model of efficiency and positive results, then look to them as a prototype of how to build your team. Talk to the manager of that department and ask them about how they built their team, lessons learned, mistakes made, and any advice they can give you. You can even ask to sit in with them on team meetings to observe how they communicate and interact with each other.

2. Know each team member’s strengths and weaknesses.

Get to know all your team members on a more personal level so you can learn about where they shine – and areas that need improvement. That way, you can ensure that 1) they’re in the position best suited for their capabilities and 2) you can better manage and motivate them.

3. Create shared and individual goals.

As one of the leading staffing agencies in Houston, TX, Murray Resources can tell you it’s important for your team members to know what the shared vision of the department is, as well as how they each fit in individually. So communicate the common goals you have for your team so everyone is on the same page and working together.

But also be sure to define individual goals, as well, so each person is clear on your expectations of them. This reduces ambiguity and ensures everyone is working in agreement with one another.

4. Show your team some love.

Employee recognition is priceless, and yet it’s also free. You don’t need to give team members big bonuses or expensive gifts to make them feel appreciated.

Instead, when you do offer recognition and rewards, make sure it’s timely, not a month after your team completed a big project. Also, when you’re rewarding someone individually, be specific. Point out the particular behavior you’re recognizing and tell them why you appreciate it and the impact it made.

5. Cut ties with weak links.

No manager likes to fire an employee; however, sometimes for the good of the whole team, it’s a must. Remember, if you make a hiring mistake, or someone is underperforming, they can truly sabotage a project, hurt morale, and impact customer satisfaction.

Have a vacancy in your company you need help filling? Contact Murray Resources. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Houston, TX, we  can help your organization find the skilled and dependable people you need, who are also a fit for your team. Contact us today to find out more.