When you picture the perfect workplace, does it look like a scene from The Office (hopefully minus the chaos)? Or maybe it’s a buzzing event space, like one of our events produced by avad3, where every team member knows their role, contributes with passion, and feels proud to be part of the magic. Achieving that dream isn’t far-fetched, but it takes more than wishful thinking.
Leadership isn’t just about having a fancy title or calling the shots; it’s about being the glue that holds everything together, while inspiring, guiding, and empowering your team to thrive. As Patrick Lencioni wisely puts it, “Teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability.”
So, how do you go from a group of individuals to a cohesive, dynamic team? Let’s dig in.
Building Employee Trust
Trust isn’t earned overnight. Think of it as the foundation for a house. Without it, everything about your team, your projects, your business will wobble and eventually collapse. At avad3, we live by our value of “Professionalism Builds Trust.” It means showing up, listening to others, and following through, no matter what.
Imagine an event where the production manager dismisses crew feedback, believing they “know better.” That’s a recipe for disaster (and possibly a stage collapse!). Instead, leaders who listen really listen build bridges of trust. Show your team you value their insights. For example, ask, “How can we improve the setup process next time?” Then act on their suggestions.
Trust is also about vulnerability. Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor, says it’s not about being nice it’s about being clear, caring, and honest. Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes or adjust plans based on your team’s feedback.
Designing a Culture of Equal Accountability
Does “accountability” make you cringe? You’re not alone! For some, it conjures up images of finger-pointing meetings where someone gets thrown under the bus. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
At avad3, we prefer to think of accountability as shared ownership. Imagine everyone’s role in an event like pieces of a giant puzzle. The lighting engineer, the sound tech, the stage manager each person has a crucial piece. When one person drops the ball, the entire picture suffers.
Instead of blaming, ask your team, “How can we solve this together?” It’s about learning from what went wrong and creating an environment where people feel safe to own their mistakes. Leaders who foster this culture encourage their teams to innovate and take risks, knowing they won’t be penalized for occasional missteps.
Mastering the Art of Delegation
If you’ve ever thought, If I want it done right, I’ll do it myself, you’re not alone but you’re also not helping anyone. Leaders who hoard tasks like a squirrel hoarding acorns during winter are bound for burnout.
Delegation is a two-way trust exercise. Take an event production example: A lead might hesitate to let a junior team member handle client communication. But by empowering them with guidance and trust, you’re not only lightening your load, but also helping them grow.
If you’re unsure where to start, try Strategic Coach’s “Unique Ability” framework. Focus on the tasks only you can do and delegate the rest. Does it feel risky at first? Sure! But with the right people in the right roles, you’ll wonder why you didn’t delegate sooner.
Using the Right Technology
Imagine planning an event with sticky notes and emails flying around like confetti chaos, right? The right tools can take your team from frazzled to fabulous.
For example, at avad3, tools like task management platforms keep our projects humming along. Automation technology can also handle repetitive tasks, like sending client reminders, leaving the team free to focus on the creative, high-impact work we love.
And if you’re running a hybrid team? Tools like video conferencing and virtual event software aren’t just “nice to have”; they’re essential. The more seamless the communication, the stronger the connection between team members even if one is working from a coffee shop and another is in a production warehouse.
Adopting and Encouraging a Growth Mindset
Growth mindset isn’t just a trendy buzzword, it’s a game-changer. People with a growth mindset tackle challenges like they’re building a LEGO set: mistakes happen, but they’re part of the fun.
At avad3, we embrace our value, “Growth is the Goal.” It means welcoming challenges as opportunities. Did the sound system fail during a rehearsal? Instead of finger-pointing, our team brainstorms how to ensure it doesn’t happen again and learns a ton in the process.
Leaders set the tone for this. If you approach obstacles with curiosity instead of dread, your team will follow. And who knows? That challenge you’re dreading might turn into your greatest innovation.
Increasing Emotional Literacy
Ever noticed how one grumpy leader can bring down an entire room? Emotional intelligence is vita – full stop. Leaders who stay calm under pressure create an environment where everyone feels safe to take risks and solve problems.
For example, during a high-stakes event, a last-minute schedule change can throw everything into chaos. A reactive leader might snap, escalating stress. But a composed leader can rally the team with humor, saying, “Alright, curveball! Let’s knock this one out of the park.”
Emotional intelligence takes practice, but the payoff of a more resilient, collaborative team is worth it.
Inspire and Empower Your Team
Great teams don’t happen by accident. They’re built, nurtured, and inspired by leaders who care deeply about their people. As Donald Miller puts it, “Great leaders don’t just take charge; they take care.”
Whether you’re leading a dynamic event crew or a remote office team, these strategies can help you turn a group of talented individuals into a powerhouse of creativity, collaboration, and growth. So, what’s one thing you can try this week to inspire your team? Let us know we’d love to hear about it!
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.
