MANAGEMENT TIPS OF THE WEEK: Getting your team’s innovative engines running

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BOSTON (Reuters) - Multicultural teams are ubiquitous in today’s business environment, but what can be lost in the discussion is the experience of individuals - especially those who don’t come in with Western cultural norms, says Harvard Business Review.

The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org (http://www.hbr.org). Any opinions expressed are not endorsed by Reuters.

“Managers of global teams need to make special considerations to ensure everyone is able to contribute, regardless of their culture or location. Here’s how:

1. Make the team norms explicit. People can bring different and potentially conflicting communication approaches to the table. It’s critical to discuss how those will influence the standards and expectations of your team.

2. Create an inclusive team environment. Some individuals can feel intense social pressure around people from other cultures, especially when other non-natives seem to be doing ‘just fine.’ Work hard to create a ‘safe’ atmosphere so members are able to express their concerns.

3. Give everyone the right skills. If your team’s culture is essentially Western and you speak English, dedicate time and resources to making sure everyone has the skills in these areas necessary to contribute to their fullest.”

This management tip was adapted from “Leveling the Playing Field on Cross-Cultural Teams” by Andy Molinsky.

Thinking outside the box might not be as easy as it sounds, but there are ways to get your innovation engines revving, says Harvard Business Review.

“To innovate, you need to think differently. If you find yourself struggling to get something started or you’re stuck in the middle of a project, try to get into a new frame of mind:

1. Get inspiration from outside. Think about what problems your customers are trying to solve. Spend time with them to understand what they actually need and how you might help them.

2. Learn from mistakes. There’s no such thing as a perfect plan. Assume your first idea is partially right and partially wrong, and then reassess your approach.

3. Resist the pull of the core. Don’t shift ideas toward how you currently operate, even if that’s what you’re most comfortable doing.”

This management tip was adapted from “Four Ways to Think Like an Innovator” by Scott Anthony.

There is no one-size-fits all approach to leadership when you manage a diverse team of people with different levels of commitment and competence, says Harvard Business Review.

When you manage a team of people, adapt your leadership style to meet each person’s needs.

In general there are four types of approaches: directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating.

Depending on the level of your employee’s competence and commitment, choose which will work best.

When your direct report is learning new skills, be directive. Define tasks clearly and check progress to make sure he’s not faltering.

Use periodic coaching when your employee is learning new skills but needs the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. Be supportive, encouraging highly competent employees who lack confidence.

With employees who are both highly motivated and experienced, delegate tasks. In all cases, your responsibility is to find the balance between hand-holding and empowering.

This management tip was adapted from the “Harvard ManageMentor Online Module: Leading and Motivating.”

When giving a presentation with slides, creating a straightforward narrative is more useful than the repetitive use of an agenda, says Harvard Business Review.

“When presenting, it’s essential to keep your audience clued into where you are in your speech. Structure helps them follow along and receive your message.

“But if you’re using slides, the repetitive use of an agenda can be annoying, and even patronizing. Instead of littering your presentation visuals with this device, focus on creating a straightforward narrative.

“Look at a panoramic view of your slides. Then rehearse your presentation aloud several times, moving from frame to frame. Along the way, you may want to add, delete, or shuffle slides to improve the flow.

“Come up with verbal connections that link the slides together. The result: a story that’s easy for you to deliver, and more importantly, easy for your audience to follow.”

This management tip was adapted from “When Not to Tell ‘Em What You’re Gonna Tell ‘Em” by Jerry Weissman.

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