Psychology for Business
eNewsletter
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We are dedicated to bringing out
the best in you and your employees
Vol.2, No.18 September 9, 2001
THE LEADERSHIP KEY TO UNLOCK TEAM POTENTIAL
(PUT SOME “YEAST” IN THAT “DOUGH”)
—
by Dr. Lynda Dahlke, Business Psychologist and Independent Consultant
—
I was recently talking with a manager who was becoming increasingly frustrated with his team. He was
exasperated because he felt that he had done all that he could do to motivate the team and they were still performing at barely minimum
standards. This manager cared a lot about the company he worked for and it was obvious that he wanted to contribute to
its success. He just couldn’t understand why the others on his team “didn’t get it.” “Don’t they know that doing their best
contributes to a win-win situation for both the organization and themselves in the long run?” No…they didn’t “get it.”
I asked this manager how he knew that his own hard work made a difference to the success of the company. After
thinking for a minute, he stated that his boss had taken him to lunch recently and during their conversation told him several
specific ways the manager had helped him in his own leadership of the company. (He also said that his boss does this
sort of thing on a fairly regular basis.) I asked the manager how he felt about that lunch conversation. He stated that it
made him feel “good”; as if his efforts are noticed and even better, appreciated. He smiled and said, “I know what you’re
going to ask me next!” I laughed and asked him to elaborate. He stated “although in my mind I think my team knows they’re
appreciated, maybe they don’t feel that way….maybe I’ve been so frustrated that I’ve just focused on pushing them.” After
some discussion, I asked him to try and stop “pushing” his team and start leading them by inviting them to become even
more important contributors to the organizational mission. Let them know OFTEN that you and others NOTICE and
APPRECIATE their efforts. Let them know HOW their efforts contribute to the success of the organization.
Why do this??
Because these actions are the “yeast” that makes your team’s efforts rise exponentially.
Research in organizational psychology shows that the #1 employee need is not money, more time off or a fancy work
station. The #1 employee need is TO FEEL APPRECIATED AND TO FEEL THAT THEIR EFFORTS MAKE A
DIRECT CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ORGANIZATION. We know it is a basic human need to feel
that we’re a part of something larger than ourselves.
How can managers meet this need?
Award programs, gainsharing and other formal recognition initiatives are “OK.” But the most important and effective
action a manager can take is to look each of their team members in the eyes and tell them that they sincerely
appreciate some specific thing they have done to contribute in a positive manner to the organization. It is incumbent upon each
manager to spell out, in very clear terms, how each employee’s efforts support the goals and successes of the organization. If
this connection is not made, there is little chance of getting the best of their talents.
Effective application of this “yeast” into the “dough” can enhance:
– Retention of good employees
-Dedication to the team and company
-Individual motivation to give one’s best & go beyond minimum expectations
-Pride in the organization & self
When was the last time someone expressed appreciation to you?
When was the last time you expressed appreciation to someone else?
The genuine expression of appreciation is a powerful key that can unlock your team’s potential. What have you got to lose
by trying it out? Better yet, what have you got to gain?
About the Author
Lynda Dahlke, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and
groups from diverse backgrounds and levels of responsibility. She is able to deliver practical, action
oriented assessment and guidance. Lynda specializes in pre-employment assessment, executive and managerial
coaching, conflict management and organizational diagnostics/consulting.
Based in Waukesha, WI, Dr. Lynda Dahlke is available for consultation or coaching by phone, e-mail or in
person. She may be reached at (262) 544-9918 (office), by e-mail at ldahlke@psychologyforbusiness.com or:
Lynda Dahlke, Ph.D.
Psychology for Business
2717 North Grandview Boulevard, Suite 303
Waukesha, Wisconsin, 53188
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process? See our article at www.laborlogic.com/hsearch/index.shtml. It is the feature article on the hiring and executive search page.
Call us for more information at (262) 544-9918.
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(c) Copyright 2001. All rights reserved. Lynda Dahlke. Distribution rights: The above material is
copyrighted, but you may retransmit or distribute it to whomever you wish as long
as not a single word is changed, added or deleted, including the contact information. If you would like to reprint part of this
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