Leading a Small Team

When I got my communications degree, I didn’t dream that someday I’d be leading a national non-profit. That’s what I’ve been doing for more than a decade. Careers take twists and turns, and experiences with supervisors and bosses along the way help shape us as leaders – and we are all leaders, not just at work but in our families and communities as well.

Learn from your role models

My leadership role model is Dave Shaul, former News Director for WCIA-TV (Champaign, IL). He was a servant leader, long before today’s popularity for it. He was a great team player, encouraging, appreciating and working alongside us to get the best newscast on the air. For 11 years, I watched Dave pitch in at deadline time, writing a last minute story, tuning in ‘Live shots,’ taking tapes to the control room – and working on Holidays to allow more of us to take time off.  Being a team player added to his leadership and increased our respect for him.

I have modeled that philosophy at the Energy Education Council, promoting working as a team. The nature of a small organization requires all hands on deck. We have a great team of seven professionals who have a passion for our mission, work hard and support each other.

Values that ensure success as a small (but mighty) team:

Teamwork

Like many associations and non-profits, I’m not simply an administrator, but also a producer of materials and services.  I’ve worked to build a cross-functional team where skill sets overlap so needs can be met when various team members take time off. None of our team members is afraid to learn new skills as technology and consumer needs evolve. When needed, we all pitch in and no one task is beneath anyone.

Balance

Have you ever had a boss that expected you to work long hours and deliver on command whether its evening or a weekend? I have, and it’s a major reason why we have a family friendly workplace. Sick kids and family emergencies happen, and everyone needs vacation time. We are flexible about work arrangements, and one team member telecommutes part of each week. This only enhances our collective productivity and everyone shares a strong work ethic.

Healthy Interpersonal Communication

Most of us have worked with people who were less than pleasant to be around (or worse). That ours today is a positive, supportive work environment is not an accident. Our team members are selected, not just on skill set, but on attitude, workplace values and “fit” with the team. We genuinely care about each other, value healthy interpersonal communication, and encourage questions and clarification if an issue arises. If anyone has a question or concern about a team member, they know to take it up with them directly – even if that team member is me.  After all, misunderstandings happen, and professional communicators understand that messages are not always received as intended. I strongly recommend an open door policy to ensure the lines of communication are open.

Integrity

A common “value” in most workplaces, integrity is important to our organization and individual team members. It means we stand behind the accuracy and quality of our work, and individually, means our actions and words are consistent with our promises. It means we can count on each other to come through on a commitment. Like all volunteers, AWC members have integrity when they deliver what they promise to their respective chapters. To maintain integrity, if you can’t deliver, you’re transparent about what happened – ideally in time for someone else to help – and recommit to doing better. Our team operates the same way. If we commit to deliver certain materials or outcomes, we deliver or are transparent about adjusting and moving forward. Integrity is an essential ingredient of building trust.

Mutual Respect

Have you ever had a co-worker who felt superior to those around them? Who talked down to others they felt weren’t as smart, capable, etc.? Core to our team success is the understanding that each of us has important roles that contributes to the success of the organization. We treat each other as equals, recognizing that each person is unique in their talents, strengths, weaknesses, and approaches to projects. Our work relationships demonstrate the mutual respect and the trust necessary to be candid with each other as we strive to create the best outcomes for members and the public.

A Final Tip for Team Leaders

You are never too experienced to learn something new! I’m a believer in continuing education for everyone here, including me. When I was asked to lead the Council, I pursued management and leadership education. Over the years, I’ve obtained two certifications, and continue to attend professional development programs each year. As a leader, I budget for professional association memberships and professional development programs for each team member.

Thanks to my incredibly valuable experience watching and working with Dave Shaul, I’ve encouraged everyone in my office to practice servant leadership – for each other, our members and ultimately, the consumers who benefit from our multi-media education. Our recipe for a successful, productive team has the ingredients we all value: teamwork, balance, healthy interpersonal communication, integrity, mutual respect, and being supportive to each other. We spend most of our weekday waking hours working – why not enjoy walking through the door each morning knowing you’ll be in a positive environment with a great team while you work!

 

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About the Author

 

Molly Hall is Executive Director of the Energy Education Council (EEC), a national nonprofit whose members include hundreds of utilities and others dedicated to creating a safer, smarter world. Prior to EEC, Molly spent 14 years as a broadcast news journalist, then was spokesperson for a large electric and natural gas utility.

A long-time member of AWC, Molly has held several leadership positions in the Springfield, Illinois chapter, and recently transitioned into the President role in July.