Keep your team focused during the summer

We’re in the middle of summertime, the temperatures are reaching 100 degrees, and many people are daydreaming about their pools and upcoming vacations.

It is not a secret that summertime months can lead to sluggish productivity, and even you, the manager, may be counting down the days until your vacation. That is understandable, everyone should be encouraged to take time off – it helps prevent burnout.

But when people are not on vacations, summertime also provides an opportunity to help people become better workers. Here’s a handy check list to keep in mind for the rest of summer.

Maintain your energy

Sure, summertime provides a more laid-back attitude, but you still need to set the standard of remaining enthusiastic and displaying a high energy and drive to your direct reports.

For example, if you start coming in late and leaving early every day of the week, your coworkers may also start slacking off. Why? Well, because you’re sending mixed signals about the importance of your organization’s mission and direction. Just because summer provides opportunities for vacation, doesn’t mean you or the team needs to take the entire season off.

Don’t miss out on the chance to inspire, energize, and motivate your team – especially during the summer.

Provide new challenges

The slower summer pace can give employees a chance to grow. You should challenge your team members to find ways of improving business and the work processes. Use various forms (e.g. team meetings, private conversations, performance plans) to stimulate and reinforce the need to make continuous improvements. Think about giving team members an opportunity to lead a project that is outside of their normal responsibilities.

Be sure to set aside a specific time during the week with team members when you are available to discuss new ideas, along with problems and concerns with group members.

Team-building activities

Okay, I know the word ‘team-building’ causes many to roll their eyes in annoyance. That is because many team-building exercises are the opposite of fun. But there are plenty of relatively inexpensive exercises that your team could partake in that can get everyone out of the office and get people engaged.

You could set up a company picnic at a local park or take the whole team out to play laser tag. Whatever you decide, use the day to get to know one another better and celebrate team’s success.

Extra time off

One way to motivate your staff is to allow them to leave early on Fridays. For businesses that can’t really afford for all employees to leave early on Fridays, offer it on a rotating basis. This can increase motivation for employees, and also shows that you as a manager are supportive and appreciative of all their hard work.

Now it’s your turn. How do you maintain your team’s focus during the summertime?　

Leaders need to bring energy to the office

Another holiday vacation has come and gone. Just when everyone was getting used to sleeping in and eating an endless supply of cookies, it's time to go back to work.

While some employees are physically present in the office, their mind may still be in vacation mode. It’s no secret after a few days off of work it can be a bit difficult for employees to dive right back into workload. Some employees may have a lethargic attitude toward anything work-related – much to the dismay of managers.

Leaders, if you want life back in the office, it is your job to create the energy.

A high energy level is actually an extremely important leadership trait. As a leader, everything you do is contagious. If you act ambivalent about your roles and responsibilities and display a discouraged attitude, the organization will reflect it. However, when you are enthusiastic with high energy and drive, it can inspire, motivate, and reenergize your co-workers.

To play at the top of your game every day, you need to create your own energy. Here are some development tips to keep in mind.

1.) Approach each day with the same sense of discovery that you had when you were a kid.

2.) Encourage a work/life balance for yourself and your team members.

3.) Decide on a clear-cut, long-range goal for yourself. Then establish what you need to do and what attitudes you will need in order to achieve it.

4.) Exercise regularly, eat well, get enough sleep, laugh often – all these impact your energy level.

Remember, your team looks to you to set the pace and provide a role model for hard work and quality. So make the choice to be energetic and bring some life back into the office. It will be contagious.

Tell us, what ways do you bring energy to the office? Is your mind still in vacation mode?