Management Tip of the Day: Stop Bringing Down Your Team

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 19, 2010 Stop Bringing Down Your Team Chances are you've worked with someone who drains all the intelligence and capability out of a team. Sometimes, despite your intentions, that person may be you. Here are three things you can do to get out of your team's way and let it shine: Don't be a hero. You don't always need to have an answer. Give your people the opportunity to think things through themselves. Don't make abrupt decisions. Quick decisions can short-circuit a team. Let your people in on your decision-making process and whenever possible, cultivate debate about an issue before coming to a conclusion. Don't talk too much. You may think your excitement is infectious when in reality it is stifling. Try keeping your mouth shut and leave room for your employees to share their ideas. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Bringing Out the Best in Your People" by Liz Wiseman and Greg McKeown. Read the article and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Finding the Weak Links Harvard Business Review Article According to a 2006 study, top executives are consistently underwhelmed by their companies' sales forces. What can executives do to improve their sales functions? ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Get to Know Your Boss's Boss 3 Tips for Asking for a Raise 3 Steps to Take Before You Ask for a Raise Know When Multitasking Works Beat the Postrecession Blues 2 Ways to Get Your Team Engaged 3 Steps to Stop a Team Fight Know the Value of a Pat on the Back Forget Management Breakthroughs — Keep It Simple Beware of the Invisible Promotion BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)