By Frances D. Dela Cruz

NORTHLINK: How do you encourage initiatives in your team?

Fostering initiatives within a team can lead to profound transformation. I may not be an expert. I hope these suggestions inspire you. Encourage your team to take initiatives just as they do mine.

Empower (but don’t overwhelm)

Trust your team and empower them. Allow them to take ownership of their projects. Let them turn their ideas into reality. Kaya nila yan! You might be surprised to learn that younger generations bring a unique approach to problem-solving. By providing them freedom to explore new concepts, you are also promoting a culture of innovation. Lalo na ang mga Gen Z, full of unique perspectives.

Communicate (and collaborate)

Cultivate an environment where sharing ideas is natural. Allow them to share everything that comes to mind. They should do this without worrying about whether or not the idea is practical. Feasibility and budget considerations can come later.

Having regular brainstorming sessions can also ignite creativity and collaboration among your team members. Encourage them to communicate with one another and discuss diverse perspectives.

Make sure to maintain momentum through frequent check-ins and stand-up meetings, offering opportunities to share progress and overcome challenges. Wag naman mag-usap tuwing Objective Setting & Performance Evaluation periods lang.

Support (while encouraging self-reliance)

Equip team members with the necessary resources, time, coaching and mentorship to explore their initiatives fully. Create a safe space for failure. Ok lang magkamali (well, not all the time) but view that as an opportunity for growth and development. Your support as their manager will boost their confidence. Support them pero dapat accountable pa rin.

And finally, this might be the most important one…

Recognize (and celebrate small wins)

Recognizing efforts at work is crucial for building a motivated team. Acknowledgment can be as simple as giving verbal praises and lunch treats. It can also be as formal as nominating them to company-wide recognition programs like the NLEXemplary Awards.

When employees feel their hard work is noticed and appreciated, it enhances their sense of belonging. This recognition reinforces their commitment to the organization. Alam nya dapat ang contribution nya to the goals of the organization – to the bigger picture.

Remember: Fostering initiatives within a team is beneficial for you, your team, and the organization as a whole.