Posted by I believe you have asked this question many times in your career as a people manager, yet you did not find the right answer and are still struggling. You wouldn’t believe it if I said the answer is very simple and it was with you the whole time without knowing.
Before we find out what the answer is, let me ask you a different question. I know for sure whenever you want something done you always go for that one person in your team, no matter what the problem is and how easy or difficult the problem is, you always think unconsciously that he or she knows the answer to the problem and able to provide a solution. Why? Why do you think that person has all the answers to the problem and why do you always rely on that one person above all the other team members?
The answer is, you trust him or her. You trust that person will provide you with a solution or the answer, it does not matter whether that person is qualified to give that answer to you or not. If the answer is not up to your satisfaction, you will discuss openly with that person and argue logically and finally in a collaborative manner you will be able to articulate or find ways to get through the issue or problem.
Now, take a step back and think about your team. What will happen if you give the same number of chances to all of them and start believing each and every one of them that they are capable of finding the solution to the problem and trust that they will not let you down and show them that you have faith in them that they will find the solution, what do you think what will happen?
Now you start believing in them and showing that you trust your team, they will start giving their full effort to make sure that they will not let you down.
I have been managing teams for more than twelve years now and have met different people with various talents. Not only you, but I also have struggled a lot to get the work done or meet deadlines with those teammates. But the moment you start giving them their space and start trusting them and believing in them, you will see that they can thrive in any situation and come up winning most of the time. It doesn’t matter if they fail, they always know that you as their manager know that they have done everything to prevent that, and you will support and guide them to succeed next time.
So, the secret to managing an operation team effectively is to build trust in them, believe in their capabilities guide them when needed and always be there for them when needed. By doing these simple things, you will be able to do wonders and become that one team all your departments want to work with, and everyone wants to be a member of.
Feel free to discuss and comment your opinion on this.