Leading a marketing team is a big job. You have to define and communicate a marketing strategy, know how and when to give constructive feedback, and deliver it in a positive manner without disrupting team morale and productivity.
Here are some tips that will help you provide feedback clearly, concisely and respectfully:
- Be clear and concise – Address your team with a clear message, and get straight to the point. Explain why you’re bringing a particular issue to their attention so that they can better understand where you’re coming from and be more motivated to actively change for the better.
- Set emotions aside – No matter what, always separate your emotions so that you can address your team in a calm, collective manner. If you go into a conversation angry or frustrated you’re only going to leave them in a defensive state causing miscommunication, unresponsive action and shut-down.
- Provide alternative solutions – Share alternative solutions that are beneficial for everyone on your team whenever possible. This will help to keep the conversation positive and focused on solving the issue at hand rather than pointing blame.
- Keep it private – If feedback is in direct relation to a single person, have a conversation with them in private. There’s no point in getting the whole team involved, and they will appreciate your discretion.
- Consider timing – Address issues sooner rather than later, and consider delivering feedback in the morning when minds are fresh and more receptive.
- Show support – Continue to show your team support, and communiate that you trust their abilities. If you don't trust their abilities, that's an entirely different issue that you as a manager need to resolve immediately.
When it comes down to it, a key element to keeping your team motivated is through feedback and positive affirmation. Address points that need to be addressed, offer advice that can help solve problems and be encouraging.
If your team truly is performing their best and you're still not seeing the results you need, you may need to evaluate your current strategies and approach your marketing from a different angle. You may benefit from some consulting and expertise from an outside source, such as Flair Interactive.
Want help solving your marketing challenges? Contact us to schedule a VIP Day, an exclusive one-on-one marketing intensive tailored to your specific needs.
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