By Neil Phillips.

All of our teams are made up of different people. Some love to sell; others are strong recruiters. Some aspire to become leaders, while others would rather not commit to a promotion. Some are top performers, while others are hobbyists. Every one of them is vital to the success of your team. So, how do you make everyone on your team feel needed?

I learned early in my leadership journey that each person on my team had individual strengths, and when I paid attention, I could figure out what they were.  I also learned that working as a team was more fun when we held a meeting, worked on a big goal, or helped new team members feel welcome. To help my team feel important, I asked for their help.

Here are some examples of how to ask for help for team meetings, workshops, and regional meetings.

  • Next month’s trainers are top performers from this month.
  • Each month a new consultant who makes their Fast Start goal will have an opportunity to share a 3-minute testimony: what their life was like before joining the business, what has changed in their life since joining, and what they are looking forward to (their next goal).
  • Friendly, enthusiastic team members are greeters, give door prize tickets and take photos.
  • The creative ones set up the displays.
  • The Apple tunes expert brings the playlist and is in charge of the music.
  • Different people volunteer to bring the refreshments for the meeting each month.

The real key is in delegating.  Find each person’s strength and then allow them to use it. Everyone does want to help, and when allowed to do so, they feel necessary. They take pride in the team’s success, even if they aren’t the top sellers or recruiters.  They are contributing to keeping the team strong.

If delegating is new behavior for you, here are a few essential things when you delegate.

  • Be specific and clear about what you are asking someone to do.
  • Have them be accountable by setting a time to follow up with them.
  • Spend time coaching those who are training and giving testimonies. You’ll want to be sure they are concise and within the time frame you’ve set for them.
  • Show your gratitude for those who have helped you. Recognize them at your meeting and send a thank you note afterward.

Remember, there are many strengths on your team. Give everyone a chance to show you what they can do.

Truthfully, my team felt that I couldn’t have done it without them, which may have been true.  All I know is they felt important and became loyal team members who added much to our team.

Want to learn more about getting team members involved?

Being a leader is more than managing sales and recruiting. Being a leader tests your self-concept and relationship skills. The Direct Selling Leaders Network is the Facebook group known as a safe place to share questions and answers about growing your business. Leaders are curious. This is a great group to find out some answers.

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