By Dana Phillips.
In an earlier blog, I gave you a working definition of positive accountability related to your role as a direct selling leader. Remember that when you coach someone on your team, you want to create a safe place, stay positive and proactive. And remember to ask permission!
So what are the keys to doing that? Positive? Proactive? Safe?
First, hold your team member to what they want to do.
Aww, that is hard! Especially when you want all of them to work as hard as you. I know you want them all to maximize the compensation plan, work the business to help you make your numbers, and move up the ladder.
Here’s the deal, and if you don’t get this, you will never be the coach they need or the coach you want to be. You have to find out what they want. Not just what they think you want to hear. Not just what works in your plans. Not what they dream they want. Find out what they want! Specifics, timelines, effort, and emotions give you (and your team member) a clear picture of what she wants.
Second, find out how your team member wants to achieve the accomplishment.
It amazes me that you think the only way to succeed is to do it the way you did it. Now, of course, when you read that, you think, “No, I know there are other ways!” But you would be surprised at the assumptions great direct selling leaders make about how one of their team members will succeed. And if you operate on your premises, you may never discover that your team member can get the same result faster, more efficiently, or even better. So when you hear an alternative way to get what she wants, stop yourself and say, “I don’t know if that will work, but you will find out.” Say it, mean it. If it doesn’t work, she can always course correct with you right there to assure her that she can experiment.
Third, follow up in the way your team member wants to be held accountable.
Some may want you to check up on them. Some may want a spouse or friend to be their accountability partner. Others might want to check back with you. Find out what your team member wants. If it doesn’t work, you can always change the method of accountability.
You and your team member can change the goal, the strategy, the follow-up, and even the way in which she is held accountable. It is well documented that when adults make choices that they own, they are more likely to succeed.
At the end of the day, isn’t that what you want: people succeeding on their terms, getting what they want? Questions to help you get there are coming in a future blog.
You can do it! You can be the coach you want to be!
Who Helps You with Your Positive Accountability?
One of the unique offerings from Team Connections Pro is monthly coaching. Our members have two calls a month to help laser focus on critical topics. Coaching, along with all of the training resources in audio, video, and print, are yours. And new things are being added all the time.
At Team Connections Pro, our one job is to support your leadership development. You’ll find materials like Bring on the Balance. You’ll also find audios, eBooks, and webinars on critical jobs like Cracking the Recruiting Code in a Digital World, Rev Up Recruiting in a Digital World, and Advancing Leaders: A Proven System. You can dig deeper and find How to Have a $1,000 Facebook Party as well as Direct Sellers Best Kept Secret to Increasing Productivity.
AND you’ll have two one-to-one coaching calls every month to help you apply those ideas and plan.
TC Pro is your source for direct selling leadership ideas. For $20 a month, you can join TC Pro. We’ll refund your payment if it’s not for you. AND you can leave when you want. We’re willing to bet you’ll stay.
