Let’s be real no one dreams of leading a team that’s uninspired, disengaged, and barely scraping by. Yet, without intentional leadership, even the most talented teams can lose their spark. So, how do you ensure your team isn’t just meeting expectations but blowing them out of the water?
At avad3 Event Production, we’ve learned that behind every flawlessly executed event is a dynamic, motivated team. And trust me, that doesn’t happen by accident. Effective leadership is the secret ingredient. Let’s dive into what it takes to build a team that thrives and maybe even enjoys the process along the way.
Build a Foundation of Trust
Ever heard the saying, “People don’t leave bad jobs; they leave bad bosses”? It’s painfully true. Trust is the bedrock of any strong team. Without it, you’re building your business on shaky ground, and that’s not a vibe you want especially when a client’s big event is on the line.
How do you build trust? Start by showing your team you value their input. Imagine you’re prepping for a major conference, and your lighting tech suggests a creative way to improve stage design. You could dismiss the idea because it’s not “your way,” but what if you embraced it? Leaders who listen and adapt demonstrate that every team member’s voice matters.
As Patrick Lencioni puts it in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, trust is “the foundation of teamwork.” It’s not about getting it perfect; it’s about being real, owning your mistakes and showing your team you’re learning alongside them. When leaders do this, it sets the tone for collaboration and mutual respect.
Instill the Importance of Shared Accountability
Let’s talk about accountability cue the collective groan, right? But what if we flipped the script? Instead of viewing accountability as a finger-pointing exercise, consider it an opportunity for everyone to take pride in their contributions.
At avad3, we thrive on shared responsibility. During one particularly busy event season, team members stepped up to lead smaller projects, from scheduling vendor load-ins to managing live-stream setups. The result? Not only did the events run smoothly, but the team felt empowered knowing their individual efforts directly impacted the success of the event.
When leaders frame accountability as ownership rather than blame, it transforms how teams view their roles. It’s like what Brené Brown says: “Clear is kind.” Setting clear expectations and celebrating wins helps accountability feel less like a chore and more like an honor.
Learn How to Delegate Properly
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought, It’s just faster if I do it myself. (Guilty!) But here’s the thing: refusing to delegate doesn’t make you a hero it stifles growth, both for your team and yourself.
Picture this: a client calls last minute to add a complex AV request to their gala. Instead of tackling it solo, you delegate parts of the project. One team member handles the equipment list, another troubleshoots compatibility, and a third double-checks the run sheet. Not only do you get the task done faster, but you’re also building your team’s confidence to handle curveballs in the future.
Strategic Coach’s concept of the “Unique Ability” is a game-changer here. Focus on what you do best and empower others to shine in their areas of expertise. Delegation isn’t about losing control; it’s about unlocking potential.
Create a Shared Vision
What’s your team working toward? No, seriously can everyone on your team articulate your company’s big-picture goals? If not, it’s time to get everyone on the same page.
At avad3, our vision is to produce events that change the world. It’s not just a tagline, it’s the compass that guides our decisions. When our team knows the “why” behind what we do, they’re more motivated to give their all, whether they’re rigging trusses or troubleshooting a live-stream hiccup.
Shared vision isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a rallying cry. Donald Miller nails it when he says in Building a StoryBrand, “People don’t buy the best products; they buy the ones they can understand the fastest.” The same goes for your team they’re far more likely to buy into a mission they can clearly see and contribute to.
Leverage Newer Technologies
Tech isn’t just for making your life easier (although, let’s be honest, we love a good shortcut). It’s also a way to equip your team to work smarter. From task management platforms like Asana to real-time collaboration tools like Slack, technology can revolutionize how teams operate.
For example, we recently implemented project management software at avad3 to streamline event timelines. The result? Fewer last-minute surprises and a lot less stress. Bonus: it freed up time for creative problem-solving and client relationship-building.
When was the last time you upgraded your team’s toolkit? Whether it’s automating invoicing or adopting cutting-edge event software, investing in the right tools shows your team you’re serious about making their lives easier.
Have a Growth Mindset
At its core, leadership is about modeling a growth mindset. This means viewing setbacks not as failures but as springboards for growth. When an event setup doesn’t go as planned (we’ve all been there), it’s an opportunity to refine processes and improve.
Encourage your team to adopt this perspective, too. For instance, after a large-scale conference wrap-up, debrief with your team to discuss lessons learned. What went well? What could be improved next time? When you foster a culture of continuous learning, you create a team that’s not afraid to push boundaries.
Build a More Dynamic Team
Great teams aren’t born, they’re built, and strong leadership is the cornerstone. By fostering trust, encouraging accountability, and equipping your team to grow, you can create an environment where everyone thrives.At avad3, we believe every team member plays a crucial role in delivering events that inspire. What steps will you take today to ensure your team feels the same? After all, your team’s success isn’t just about reaching goals; it’s about enjoying the journey along the way.
Author Name: Cameron Magee
Author Bio: Cameron Magee, the owner of avad3 Event Production, is a passionate and dedicated professional who began his journey in event production as a curious 12-year-old at his childhood church. Today, he leads a team of hard-working production professionals, having built avad3 from his college dorm room into a national production company, committed to both client success and the well-being of his team.