A leader is not about holding a title, but about taking action. Unity among team members is the path to achievement.
In the face of adversity, Alexander Makushkin, the head of the operational efficiency improvement department of the steelmaking production at OJSC "TMK" in Perm, emphasizes the importance of clear and transparent communication, strong leadership presence, empathy and support, setting realistic goals, encouraging collaboration, recognizing and celebrating efforts, and leading by example.
Clear and Transparent Communication
Keeping the team well-informed about the company's situation, challenges, and plans is crucial in reducing uncertainty and building trust. By maintaining open lines of communication, Makushkin ensures that everyone is on the same page, working towards the same goals.
Strong Leadership Presence
Being visible and approachable as a leader is essential in reassuring employees and demonstrating commitment. Leadership is not just a title; it requires engagement, empathy, and continuous growth. By being present and approachable, leaders can inspire and motivate their teams.
Empathy and Support
Understanding the difficulties team members face and offering support fosters loyalty and motivation. A leader is responsible for the entire team, with the task of "removing stones from shoes" and helping move forward. By showing empathy and providing support, leaders can help their teams overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Setting Realistic Goals
Adjusting objectives to be attainable during tough periods ensures progress and boosts confidence. By setting realistic goals, leaders can help their teams stay focused and motivated, while also setting them up for success.
Encouraging Collaboration
Promoting teamwork and shared problem-solving helps leverage collective strength and innovation. By encouraging collaboration, leaders can help their teams come up with creative solutions to complex problems and work together to achieve their goals.
Recognizing and Celebrating Efforts
Appreciating employees' hard work maintains positivity and engagement. Regularly meeting with the team to discuss achievements, praise, and motivate helps maintain a positive attitude and keeps everyone motivated and engaged.
Leading by Example
Leading by example is crucial in maintaining commitment, inspiration, and displaying confidence. By setting a good example, leaders can inspire their teams to work hard and strive for excellence.
To maintain enthusiasm and increase engagement, communicate more with the team and share company news. An atmosphere of trust and openness should be created by the leader. Pre-agreeing on each participant's tasks ensures everyone understands their area of responsibility.
Weekly letters from a leader to the team can increase awareness, enthusiasm, and serve as a channel for back communication. Helping others, such as through volunteering, can also be a good way to find or replenish energy. Physical activity like football, hockey, and hiking can help a leader find or replenish energy.
The first step to success in building a team is finding people within the company who are ready for change. These people can be identified by their conversations, which are ambitious and open to new ideas.
Previously, a complex of measures to reduce costs and increase productivity was reported to be implemented at PNTZ. The "Word of Labor" is an information project by "Oblaastnaya Gazeta", Sverdlovsk Regional Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and the Federation of Trade Unions of Sverdlovsk Region.
Business Success requires setting realistic goals, encouraging collaboration, and leading by example, as Alexander Makushkin, a prominent leader at OJSC "TMK" in Perm, demonstrates. By fostering empathy and support in the team, a leader can remove obstacles, helping team members achieve success and maintain enthusiasm. Recognizing and celebrating efforts is essential for maintaining positivity and engagement, while finding people within the company who are open to change forms the first step in building a successful team. In Cost Reduction and Productivity Enhancement initiatives, such as those undergone at PNTZ, effective communication and teamwork facilitate progress.