Six Key Steps to Building a High Performing Team by KJN Richard Hackworth

Six Key Steps to Building a High Performing Team by KJN Richard Hackworth

As a martial arts school growth and management expert with over 30 years in the industry, I’ve seen firsthand what makes a martial arts school not just survive, but truly thrive. A strong, cohesive, and motivated staff is the backbone of any successful dojo. It’s not enough to be a skilled martial artist; you must also be a skilled leader. 

Here are six key steps to building a high-performing team that will elevate your school to new heights:

1. Focus on Results:

• The Principle: A results-oriented staff is focused on achieving specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This clarity of purpose drives productivity and creates a sense of accomplishment.
• How to Achieve It:
  • Set Clear Expectations: Define specific, measurable goals for each staff member and the team as a whole. These goals should align with the school’s overall mission and vision. For example, “Increase student enrollment by 15% in the next quarter” is more effective than “Get more students.”
  • Track Progress: Implement systems for tracking progress towards goals. Regularly review performance data and celebrate milestones. Use a CRM or other tracking software.
  • Reward Achievement: Recognize and reward staff members who achieve or exceed their goals. This could include bonuses, promotions, public acknowledgment, or even small gestures of appreciation. Tie incentives directly to results.
  • Provide Necessary Resources: Ensure your staff has the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. Don’t set them up for failure by giving them responsibility without the means to achieve it.

2. Inspiring Leadership:

• The Principle: Inspiring leaders motivate their staff to go above and beyond. They create a positive and supportive environment where individuals feel valued, empowered, and driven to achieve their best.
• How to Achieve It:
  • Lead by Example: Demonstrate the qualities you expect from your staff: discipline, respect, dedication, and a positive attitude. Your actions speak louder than words.
  • Communicate Effectively: Clearly communicate the school’s vision, goals, and values. Keep your staff informed about important updates and changes. Transparency is key.
  • Show Genuine Care: Take a genuine interest in your staff’s well-being, both professionally and personally. Get to know them as individuals and show that you value them as people.
  • Offer Opportunities for Growth: Invest in your staff’s development by providing training, mentorship, and opportunities to learn new skills. This shows you’re invested in their future.

3. Taking Responsibility:

• The Principle: A responsible staff takes ownership of their actions and their outcomes.  They are accountable for their performance and are proactive in addressing challenges.
• How to Achieve It:
  • Delegate Authority: Empower your staff by giving them ownership of specific tasks and projects.3 This fosters a sense of accountability and encourages them to take initiative.
  • Encourage Problem-Solving: When challenges arise, encourage your staff to find solutions rather than simply bringing you the problem. Guide them, but don’t solve everything for them.
  • Promote a Culture of Accountability: Create a culture where everyone is held accountable for their actions and their performance. This includes both successes and failures. Learning from mistakes is crucial.
  • Lead by Example (Again!): As a leader, you must model accountability. Take responsibility for your own actions and decisions, both good and bad.

4. Encourage Involvement:

• The Principle: An involved staff is invested in the school’s success. They feel a sense of ownership and are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
• How to Achieve It:
  • Seek Input: Regularly solicit input from your staff on ideas, initiatives, and challenges. Value their perspectives and incorporate their suggestions when possible.
  • Create Teams: Form teams to work on specific projects or initiatives. This encourages collaboration and allows staff members to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.
  • Open Communication Channels: Establish clear and open communication channels so staff members can easily share their ideas and concerns. This could include regular staff meetings, suggestion boxes, or online forums.
  • Empower Decision-Making: Give staff members the authority to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. This fosters a sense of ownership and encourages them to take initiative.

5. Invite Feedback:

• The Principle: A staff that feels comfortable giving and receiving feedback is constantly learning and improving. Constructive feedback is essential for growth, both individually and as a team.
• How to Achieve It:
  • Create a Culture of Open Feedback: Make it clear that feedback is valued and encouraged. Create a safe space where staff members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, even if they are critical.
  • Regular Performance Reviews: Conduct regular performance reviews where you can provide feedback to your staff and they can provide feedback to you. These reviews should be a two-way conversation.
  • Anonymous Feedback Mechanisms: Consider implementing anonymous feedback mechanisms, such as online surveys or suggestion boxes, to encourage honest feedback, especially on sensitive topics.7
  • Act on Feedback: It’s not enough to just invite feedback; you must also act on it. Show your staff that their input is valued by making changes based on their suggestions.

6. Mutual Trust:

• The Principle: Trust is the foundation of any strong team. When staff members trust their leader and each other, they are more likely to be collaborative, supportive, and committed to the school’s success.
• How to Achieve It:
  • Be Transparent and Honest: Communicate openly and honestly with your staff. Avoid withholding information or making promises you can’t keep.
  • Show Respect: Treat your staff with respect and dignity, regardless of their position or background.
  • Be Supportive: Offer your staff support and guidance, both professionally and personally. Show them that you are there for them.
  • Delegate Effectively: Trust your staff to handle their responsibilities and avoid micromanaging them.9
  • Build Relationships: Invest time in building relationships with your staff. Get to know them as individuals and create a sense of community within the dojang.

By implementing these six steps, you can build a high-performing staff that is dedicated to the success of your martial arts school. Remember, your staff is your greatest asset. Invest in them, empower them, and watch your school flourish.

About The Author: Publisher: Richard Hackworth is a multi-arts Grand Master whose martial arts career spans four decades of amazing accomplishments. He began working with World Martial Arts Magazine in Korea in 1986 and has been a constant supporter of spreading the traditional martial arts message worldwide. Now he is the Publisher of World Martial Arts Media Magazine. He is the founder and President of the Korean Hapkido Federation Haemukwan, an organization for traditional authentic Hapkido. His most recent work is to be the author of Be a Life Champion the Martial Arts Way available on Amazon. You can friend him at http://www.facebook.com/worldmartialartsmedia 

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