You’re struggling to manage your team’s productivity. What’s the first step you should take?

Remove the hurdles that your team is facing to meet the productivity. Collect accurate and useful data to track productivity and share with the team. Focus on the problem, not on the people. Set expectations and communicate. Also, analyze team dynamics and see what motivates them as a team or as individual member. Finally, celebrate success at every step, not just when the final goals are met. Improvement is a journey, not a final destination.

Motivation is the first step to boost the morale of the team. The feeling of wanting to do the best must supersede the feeling of having to do the best. Motivation being a subjective aspect ,the leader has to identify the factors that motivate different team members. Also a clear communication with an open door policy has to be developed. Appreciate the good performers and request them to motivate and bring the best of their colleagues can be an effective step. Appreciation is vital and the need of every person trying to prove their worth in personal and professional lives.

First thing that should kept in mind is "Why". When one get's to "Why" , he probably completes 50% of the work towards improvement. Proper team discussions should be initiated considering minute reasons. Once data is collected from all sources, then filtering, sorting and integrating these data should be done.

Data NEVER comes first. Communication comes first. You see your team is struggling. Leave the data, do a meeting. Ask them what is not working out. Data will lead you to a wild goose chase. Of course, data helps substantiate reasons given by the team, and might also help confute one or more reasons. But the conversation must precede data collection. Talk to them, collect their responses through a survey, and analyze this before you look into the data. Should you look at their performance review? If you think you picked the wrong people in your team, yes you should. Else, be the best manager your team expects - do one to one, and in group, interactions. The first step to improving productivity is reassuring your team that they will be heard.

In my experience if you are aware that your team is not delivering the desired results you already have the data points. The metrics which drive & assess your teams performance will guve you good enough information as to what is missing. The important thing is whether your team understands what the data which is used to govern their performance means to them. Whether the team members are able to understand the metrices and read the data properly. Most of the problems end when you make your team understand what the data means. The solutions flow will start as soon as the understanding is there.

This is usually an outcome in leading large or distributed/remote teams or teams working on complex deliverables. The first thing to address when struggling with team productivity is to identify the root cause. All should start with an assessment of the situation. This may involve evaluating communication channels, workload distribution, team dynamics/politics of any (meaning identify bad apples), or individual challenges (especially for those unable to manage personal commitments or attend to most important aspects of all - their family). Open dialogue with team members to understand their perspectives and concerns can help pinpoint areas for improvement. Implement action items but track effectively or the actions don’t solve anything.

A big challenge here can be if the issue is something that you cannot help, if as a manager you have a lack of control (such as work balance and high workload due to your own management pushing something harsh on your team). Sometimes you can feel helpless as a manager when you want to help but it’s out of your hands to improve the solution.

You can start with analyzing the external factors, because those are more likely to be objective. Is there a slowdown? Are your clients looking elsewhere? Are there any other macro factors that are affecting sales conversion? Only after thoroughly analyzing external factors, look inwards. Does the team lack motivation? Are they clueless about their growth or direction? Is one or more member finding it difficult to adapt? Is there a lack of coordination among members? The cliched solution in such cases is, Incentivize. But incentives are subjective. So, you need to identify which incentive will work for whom. And if you cannot personalize the incentives, avoid that route.

The approach to analysing team productivity effectively covers both internal and external factors, which is comprehensive. However, it may benefit from a more structured prioritization framework to tackle these factors. While SWOT, root cause, and Pareto analyses are mentioned, integrating these methods into a step-by-step strategy could provide clearer guidance. Additionally, considering the team's unique context and dynamics when applying these analyses would ensure more tailored solutions. Exploring the impact of organisational culture and leadership style on these factors could also add depth to your analysis. Finally, involving the team in this analytical process could foster a more inclusive and insightful environment.

Tão importante quanto coletar os dados é coletar a percepção da própria equipe sobre a situação. Será que eles têm clareza do objetivo? Será que se sentem responsáveis pelo resultado? Será que acreditam no que estão fazendo? Será que possuem as ferramentas necessárias para realização das atividades? Como está o clima da equipe? Entender o contexto e a realidade na visão da própria equipe e construir um plano de ação conjunto a partir dessa visão é uma ótima forma de melhorar o cenário.

Chiming up with goals as a team can be a collaborative way to get your team engaged. They will feel more empowered and involved this way. No one likes being told what to do and so getting to make the goals and rules together may help especially with a more resistant team.

I as a finance and accounting professional would check 1. In which area Productivity been check 2. Reliability of the tool checking productivity If all fine, Then I would wish to check the root cause of factors effecting Productivity. Its not just the human May be the factor will be beyond our control.

The advice to set clear team goals aligned with organisational objectives is foundational, but it may be too rigid and top-down. Flexibility and adaptability are key in a dynamic work environment, and this approach could benefit from incorporating iterative goal-setting. Engaging team members in creating goals can enhance motivation and commitment. Additionally, the method lacks specifics on continuous feedback mechanisms and adjustments. Effective communication and alignment strategies need more detailed exploration, with tools and methods to ensure consistent and practical implementation.

Setting clear, specific, and realistic expectations for your team is not only about improving productivity; it's about fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. By aligning team objectives with the organization's vision, you empower each member to contribute meaningfully. This approach not only enhances team cohesion but also drives individual motivation, leading to sustained high performance and innovation. It's a strategic investment in the team's future success and the organization's growth.

With a good understanding of the situation and most probable causes, you need a team meeting to explain the situation, your analysis, and the need. Focus on the team (and not on individuals) at this stage. Get their feedback on what you are saying. This starts in the meeting but can extend over the next few days. Later have another meeting and lay out your plan and expectations on what the team needs to be doing (including improvement teams, training, tool enhancements, etc.).

One of the best ways of team building is to let them take ownership. A lot of managers avoid this because they're afraid this will create chaos. It will not, if the manager is effective. A very common reason for people feeling demotivated is that they don't see themselves as a part of the larger picture, or taking decisions that impacts the firm. Let them do it. That not only allows them to feel involved but also energizes them to collaborate with others, or try to find a middle path when opinions collide. If the solution provided by the team is inadequate, as a manager you can always add to it. It is unlikely that your team will come up with an illogical solution. They are your team, you HAVE to trust them. Show them this trust.

Involving your team in productivity solutions is beneficial, but the approach may lack structure, risking unfocused or overwhelming discussions. Structured feedback sessions, focusing on specific issues, can streamline the process. Empowering team members is important, but balancing this with alignment to overall goals is crucial to avoid conflicts or inconsistencies. More emphasis on continuous professional development and clear criteria for recognition could enhance commitment and growth. Regular review points to assess and adjust implemented solutions would also ensure ongoing effectiveness. This approach could benefit from a more strategic framework to ensure meaningful participation and practical outcomes.

There's a saying that rings true in this context: "Teamwork makes the dream work." By embracing collaboration, sharing thoughts, concerns and ideas — you'll be well on your way to achieving goals and fostering a thriving work environment. Organize brainstorming sessions, ask questions to leadership and have folks talk about solutions — the best idea wins.

A collaborative work environment is the most fulfilling experience you can give to your employees. Involve people in the solutions so that they can be implemented quickly and with full acceptance.It also provides a sense of belongingness to people . Open communication and transparency can make your team perform wonders.

One of the most important steps is to include your team in solving productivity problems. It's about encouraging a sense of ownership and cooperation by drawing on their direct knowledge and thoughts. Members of the team feel heard and respected while using this method, which also increases team morale by bringing in a variety of viewpoints. Inspiring team members to participate in decision-making and problem-solving produces more comprehensive, well-rounded solutions as well as a more devoted and driven group.

Avalie os KPIs existentes. Caso não sejam bons o suficiente, crie os seus. Monitore com regularidade. Colha feedbacks ao longo do tempo (melhor ainda, crie uma cultura dos seus liderados te fornecerem feedbacks regularmente e de maneira sincera e honesta). Lembre-se que liderança é uma maratona e não uma corrida de 100m.

Every team has a natural leader, whose leadership is unrelated to title. Make sure that this leader is aligned with the goals and motivated to succeed.

It’s not just about team… same problem statement apply to Function/business/org during change & transformation . if we bring change management practices at all levels , we can surely bring productivity back on track in sometimes. Few suggestions: -Reduce Disruption and Resistance by clear communication to bridge gaps -Enhance Employee Morale and Engagement by sense of ownership and growth / development - New technologies and collaborative culture can also help sometimes

Bringing external help to create constructive competitive environment. This will help in bringing fresh ideas, different perspective to look at the same problem and intern will have positive impact on productivity..

To improve team’s productivity do a thorough assessment of skillset and motivation for each employee with the tasks/objectives to be met. Identify root cause of productivity loss: is it communication flow, management style, timelines or work environment. Empathise with the person and emphasise the key focus on end objective through proper and timely communication, fun events and skill upgradation as required