Amazon
Insist on the highest standards
Leaders have relentlessly high standards—many people may think these standards are unreasonably high. Leaders are continually raising the bar and drive their teams to deliver high-quality products, services, and processes. Leaders ensure that defects do not get sent down the line and that problems are fixed so they stay fixed.
Implications
Here is a recommended 5-Step approach for setting a higher standard
1) Hold yourself to a higher standard
You can not ask others to act in a way that you are not demonstrating. You can increase your team’s engagement level when they know you are not asking more from them than you ask of yourself. Your team is watching; what will they see?
2) Chart the course
If the team is unclear on where we are going and what success looks like, it can be challenging to maintain a high-performance standard. What exactly are we trying to accomplish?
3) Communicate your expectations
Reinforce the roles and responsibilities of each person on the team. Ensure each person understands what is expected of them and from them.
4) Observe your team doing their work
There is no better tool for ensuring that your expectations are being met than to come alongside your teammates as they do their work. You cannot guide, direct, or coach if you are not in a place to observe your team at work.
5) Coach to increase performance and potential
Coaching leaders are some of the most successful types of leaders because they invest in the future potential of their teammates by holding them accountable and helping them grow.
