Three leadership rules for maximum performance 

As a leader, the ability to unlock your team’s productivity and get them firing on all cylinders is fundamental to your – and their – success. At work, as in sport, being a good communicator, a motivational leader, and an inspiring mentor are all qualities needed to help you get your team where they need to be.   

As England women’s cricket captain, I’ve picked up plenty of practical tips, tricks, and leadership rules to help my team win. And I’d like to share three of them that you can action with your team straightaway – however large or small.  

Feedback speed-dating 

The familiar concept behind this is simple and relevant in helping you get to know your team members better. In a quickfire, 2-minute, one-to-one session, sit down with each individual to tell them one thing they’ve improved on and one thing they should work on and do better. Then turn the tables and let them do the same to you. 

Doing this every 3 to 6 months will help both you and your team members to be more open, honest, and comfortable in constructively discussing both positive and negative feedback in the workplace to help individual and team performance.  

Time-out stress management 

Stressful times can hit at any moment, especially when, as a manager or leader, you’re under pressure to deliver. Keeping cool, calm, and composed can be a challenge, but it’s important to observe your team and look out for any team members who might be struggling. In those instances, it can be a good idea to take them out of the situation, even just for just a few minutes.  

Allowing them to step away will give you both a chance to re-evaluate. Encourage them to take a breath and gather their thoughts. It will also give you both the chance to gain perspective and come up with a new plan to deal with the situation at hand. In doing so, you might relieve some of the pressure and provide a clear focus. 

Positive body language 

Body language is subliminal and, without either of you being aware of it, yours can affect the mind of someone in your team. Try and be aware of your posture — for example, do you stand with arms folded when speaking to colleagues?   

Finding your own little ritual can help you do the same. The key thing is to appear relaxed and conscious of the message you’re sending to your team. Positive body language and being in control of your own emotions can enhance and support your role as leader of your team.  

Always improve yourself 

Even if you have the natural ability to be a good leader, it’s an ongoing process. Working on your personal development is crucial to helping you to improve and grow your leadership skills.  

During the pandemic lockdowns, I started a 2-year master’s degree in Leadership in Sports which has really helped to broaden my horizons. And learning about biases and the psychology of decision-making has been something I’ve been able to apply to my captaincy role. But as captain, I still strive to play better in each game. So even when things are going well, I work that little bit harder to make sure it stays that way.  

You shouldn’t ever reach a point where you feel there’s nothing more to learn, because there always is! Alongside these practical takeaways to help your team excel in everything they do and perform to the best of their abilities, don’t forget to keep improving yourself every day