💎 How to Unlock Your A Players

Have you ever found yourself in a food rut? Rotating between the same three meals until the sight of them makes you contemplate a new diet? Well, that was me, until my girlfriend and I decided it was time to shake things up. We dove into the world of Mexican cooking classes, because porque no? Suddenly, I'm all about charring tomatillos for the perfect salsa verde, and discovering that mezcalitas blow margaritas out of the water (seriously…WAY better). But you know what? It taught me something vital about work. Let's break down the secret sauce to supporting your A players.

1. Feedback: It's Like Salt, People

Ever tried cooking a meal without tasting it? That's like asking your team to work in a bubble. No bueno. Feedback is the salt of the workplace – it's what transforms a "meh" day into a "hell yea". But here's the thing: you can't just dump the whole salt shaker in. It's all about the right amount at the right time, turning "I made this" into "We nailed this."

It's less of a "do it my way" and more of a "let's turn your good into awesome." Think of it as a collaboration, not a commandment. And please, if you’re a leader, it’s your job to give timely and constructive feedback. Help them grow. Give a pinch of salt and see, the dish will taste better I promise.

2. Dreams: The Main Course

In one of those cooking classes, a fellow Gordan Ramsie shared their dream of mixing old-school recipes with a dash of the new. And it hit me – isn't that what we all want? To blend our passions with our day jobs? Knowing what makes your team tick, their secret ingredients, if you will, is like picking the perfect spice blend for that signature dish. It's about aligning their work with what gets them out of bed in the morning, turning the daily grind into a step towards their dream.

So, how do we ensure our organizational objectives jive with their personal aspirations? It starts with real talk. We dive deep, we listen, and we become vulnerable. Showing we’re more than just their bosses. We’re their biggest fans, championing their growth inside and outside the office.

Trust me, getting to know what your team dreams about can transform your work environment from a fast-food joint to a Michelin-star experience. So map the skills required for them to unlock their dreams during their time with you. Wondering where to start? Try asking them these two questions in a meeting set aside just for this purpose…

1. How do you like to arrive at decisions and what’s the best environment for you to make them?

2. From what you know today, what does the peak of your career look like?

Note: Be vulnerable with your team - share with them your world as you ask about theirs.

After having this conversation, or two, you’ll now learn what motivates your team, what their dreams are, and the skills required to unlock them. Once you have this, create a custom growth plan that helps the acquire these skills during their tenure at your company.

It makes all the difference to learn how they can unlock their dreams with your support.

By seasoning our team's journey with the right feedback and stirring in a healthy dose of their dreams, we're not just reaching goals; we're creating a culture of passion, loyalty, and ambition.

Interested in brainstorming ways to marinate your team's motivation? Hit me up, and let’s chat about some winning strategies over a virtual coffee or, dare I say, a mezcalita.