How do we get our people, the culture, aligned with the strategies so that everyone is committed to the strategy?  How do we unleash the creativity, resourcefulness, talent, and energy of our team to come together? 

Momentum can carry a team through the most challenging times.  If the foundation is void of fundamental leadership skills, the team can decelerate quickly at the first sign of adversity.  The variances in behaviors are dictated by the direction of its leaders. Unlocking the momentum of a team requires an understanding on how to nurture a winning attitude.

Five methods for accelerating the momentum of a winning team:

1. Empowerment at the management level.  Building a team requires trust from both parties.  When a team works with trust the staff understands what is needed and does their part to contribute. Empowered employees know what is expected, how to accomplish it and what the benefits are.  

2.Supervision by motivation.  Inspiration doesn't come from instilling fear.  Managers that attempt to lead from a pedestal rather than commonality, create adversarial environments.  Accelerating leadership requires inspiration through preparation. 

3.Performance agreements. Setting an agreed upon performance standard that is reviewed regularly is essential.  The employee should be a willing participant in the discussion of skill progression and goal achievement.  The performance standards should overlap the dealership needs and the employees’ personal achievement goals.  “Inspect what it is you expect”.

4.An environment devoid of negative energy. Nothing kills momentum more than a negative force. There is an amazing amount of energy that is sapped from a team when a negative force is allowed to disrupt the progression of goals. Disruptive individuals that affect the cohesiveness of a team need to be eliminated. 

5.Recognition and reward for achievement.  When employees are enriched they perform at higher levels.  Recognition doesn’t always commensurate with an increase in pay rates. The simplest and most lasting reward is the acknowledgement for a job well done.  Improvements are made when positive behavior is reaffirmed and reinforced.