Improving Employee follow-through
As a leader, one of your primary responsibilities is to ensure that your employees are encouraged, equipped and empowered to follow through on tasks and responsibilities. Without strong follow-through, projects can get derailed, deadlines can be missed, overall productivity and ultimately clients can suffer.
So, how can you, as a leader, encourage, equip, and empower your employees for better follow-through?
One key aspect is clear communication. Make sure that expectations and goals are clearly communicated to your team. This includes providing specific instructions, deadlines, and goals for each task. It also requires that the communication is understood by the employee. When employees know exactly what is expected of them, they are more likely to follow through successfully.
Another important factor is accountability. Hold your employees accountable for their actions and follow-through on tasks. This can be done through regular check-ins, performance reviews, and setting clear consequences for not following through. By holding employees accountable, you are showing them that their work matters and that you expect them to deliver on their responsibilities.
Training and development are also crucial in equipping your employees for follow-through. Provide them with the necessary training and resources to successfully complete tasks. This can include ongoing training, mentorship programs, and opportunities for professional development. It also includes confirming that the training was understood. When employees have the skills and knowledge they need, they are more likely to follow through successfully.
Recognition and rewards can also be powerful motivators for encouraging follow-through. Acknowledge and reward employees for their successful completion of tasks. This can be done through verbal recognition, incentives, bonuses, or other forms of rewards. When employees feel appreciated for their hard work, they are more likely to continue to follow through on tasks.
Creating a supportive work environment is another key element in empowering your employees for follow-through. Foster a positive and supportive work culture where employees feel motivated and empowered to follow through on tasks. This can include providing a supportive team culture, open communication channels, and opportunities for collaboration.
Feedback and coaching are also essential in helping employees improve their follow-through. Provide constructive feedback and coaching to help employees grow and develop their skills. This can include regular feedback sessions, coaching sessions, and opportunities for self-reflection. By providing guidance and support, you are helping your employees improve their follow-through.
APPLY: Bring to your mind specific employees that are struggling to follow-through.
Ask yourself these 10 Questions for each employee that you influence:
1. Are expectations and goals clearly communicated to employees?
2. Are employees held accountable for their actions and follow through on tasks? How?
3. Are employees provided with the necessary training and resources to successfully complete tasks?
4. Are employees recognized and rewarded for their follow through and successful completion of tasks?
5. Is the work environment supportive and motivating for employees to follow through on tasks?
6. Are leaders providing constructive feedback and coaching to help employees improve their follow through?
7. Are employees empowered to take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities?
8. Are leaders fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork to support follow through?
9. Are communication channels open and transparent for employees to seek help and clarification when needed?
10. Are leaders actively seeking feedback from employees on how to improve follow through and productivity in the workplace?
By asking yourself these questions and implementing these strategies, you can create a work environment where employees are encouraged, equipped, and empowered to follow through on tasks and responsibilities. This will not only improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace but also foster a positive and collaborative team culture. As a leader, it is your responsibility to set your employees up for success, and strong follow-through is a key component of that success.
