It may seem trivial, or maybe expected, but saying “Good Morning” can make all the difference in how your teams’ day goes.
An opportunity to combat problems before the day begins.
It may feel overwhelming, but giving that opportunity for your team to let you know any struggles they may be facing is a great way to plan your day. Instead of being interrupted in the middle of a project, you can structure your day around the support your team needs, and your own tasks for the day based on what they tell you in the morning. Too often I would be in the middle of my day, and someone would need help or guidance on a matter. While I am happy to help, I would often wish I had known about the problem two hours ago before starting a new project. Understanding problems in the morning gives you an opportunity to delegate, find out more information, and plan out how you want to execute. Additionally, your team will feel supported and comfortable addressing concerns with you.
Where are you?? Your team needs to know.
How often have you gone straight to your office, turned on your computer to get your day started? In today’s environment, leaders may be working remotely, or on a different work schedule than the team. Letting your team know you are in the office or working remotely gives them reassurance you are available when they need you.
Create a space for meaningful connections.
The days can be stressful, busy, and before you know it they are over. Starting your day with interactions gives you a clear and present mind to connect. Teams have higher trust in their leaders when there is a meaningful connection in place.
One day on my morning rounds I went over to a member of my team to say good morning, I could tell they were stressed and not in the mood to be at work. I asked if there was anything I could do to make their day easier or help with their workload. She responded that work was fine, she was just stressed because her car needed to be fixed and she did not know when she would have the time. I offered her the ability to take her lunch early to drop off her car, that way the shop would have time to work on it throughout the day. She was so appreciative, and when she came back from dropping off her car, her mood was completely different. Had I not spent time that morning with her, her mood would have been off all day and therefore affected her work.
This gave me the opportunity to show empathy, and help my team member which creates trust in her. Without direct interactions and dialogue, how do you expect to create that connection?
The power of positivity is endless.
Have you ever heard a smile is contagious? Try it, smile and those around you will too. Your energy spreads to those around you. As a leader creating a positive space is so important for your team. Your team spends their entire day at work and deserves a positive environment to be in. Going around and saying “Good Morning” with a positive attitude will start the day off right! Creating work-life balance is important, and the environment you are in for 8 or more hours of the day plays a big part. Imagine being in a negative and consuming environment all day, do you think when five o-clock hits, your mood will suddenly change. Most likely you will bring that negativity home, and before you know it you are in a constant cycle of it. Creating a positive space allows the opportunity for your team to go about their day positively, then go home with that positivity, and come in the next day positive. That positive effect will help your team uplift each other, do good work, and be positive with your clients.
Challenge yourself to a week of morning rounds and saying good morning! See how your team reacts, and how your day plays out.
Reflect on your mood, around your team and how it affects them. Do you notice your team relying on your tone and how they proceed for the day?