Getting the Best Out of Your Team

Getting the Best Out of Your Team

Insight from Delian Asparouhov

Let's talk about getting the best from your team. I stumbled on this framework from Keith Rabois (ex Paypal/Square & partner at Founders Fund) that's pretty useful.

First off, ask yourself: If their life depended on it, could they do the job? 

If yes, it's on you to motivate them better. Usually, that means showing them why their work matters.

If they couldn't do it even then, that's on you for expecting too much. It's about what we call "task-relevant maturity" - basically, how much experience they have with the task.

Your management style should change based on their experience. 

New to the task? Micromanage away. 

Done it a million times? Back off and just check in.

Delian Asparouhov shared this neat chart that breaks it down 👇

• Low consequences, low conviction? Delegate fully.

• High conviction but low consequences? Let them do their thing. They might surprise you.

• High consequences? Either step in and decide, or dig for more info.

The trick is giving people leeway when the stakes are low. That's how they learn and grow.

I learned this the hard way. My boss let me handle a big negotiation. I blew it spectacularly. But you know what? A few months later, I nailed one on my own. 

Sometimes you gotta fail to learn.

Learn more: More coaching tips for underperformers from leadership experts