Leaders All Want To Lead Low Maintenance Teams | Dave Anderson

Leaders when I say the words Low Maintenance Team a lot of you smile and think about a favorite team from your past.

Some of you are wishing you had a Low Maintenance Team right now.

I’ve had both low maintenance teams and high maintenance teams.

And I know, WE ALL WANT TO LEAD LOW MAINTENANCE TEAMS.

Most of my high maintenance teams occurred early in my 15 years of front line leadership. But as time went on, I adapted and developed systems and philosophies so my teams all became low maintenance teams.

When I Led Low Maintenance Teams–

  • I was able to focus on the big picture, strategic needs of the team without getting caught in the weeds.
  • Problems were solved at the lowest levels and rarely made it to my desk.
  • There was higher job satisfaction and engagement for the leader and the led.
  • My Low Maintenance Teams had higher retention rates and more passionate team members.
  • Many of my peers seemed to work harder and longer hours, without a measurable difference in performance. 

I am not saying these people I respect were poor leaders or did anything wrong.  But, I never stopped focusing on becoming more efficient.  I consistently told my teams:

“Busy is not the equivalent of effective, and activity does not equal productivity.”

Low Maintenance Team (LMT) Leaders do a few things differently:

  • LMT Leaders-give away power and decision-making.
  • LMT Leaders- hire low maintenance people.
  • LMT Leaders- create a culture that requires initiative and accountability.
  • LMT Leaders- create processes that make the team run efficiently.
  • LMT Leaders- expect growth and train for growth continuously.

The Bottom Line:

I am not a genius or a wizard at creating Low Maintenance Teams.  A lot of what I teach is based on my poor decisions of the past and my desire to get better by studying leadership and the mentoring I received from some great leaders. (Bosses and Peers)

I’ve sat in your chair.  And, I know, you know what needs to be done and why it should be done.  Trainers and consultants I’ve sat under have all done a good job of THE WHAT and THE WHY—but few consultants lay out the HOW.

I need your help.  I am looking for practical tips that front line leaders can implement.  I’m looking for THE HOW in building Low Maintenance Teams.

Question:

How have you or leaders you know built Low Maintenance Teams?