Is Your Team Thriving or Just Surviving?

Being a manager comes with challenges—deadlines, team dynamics, performance expectations, and constant change. But at the end of the day, one question matters:

Is your team thriving under your leadership—or simply surviving?

If you're unsure, take a moment to reflect on these six key outcomes that define healthy, high-performing teams. You’ll also meet Mark, a middle manager who learned to shift from surviving to leading.

✅ 1. Improved Job Satisfaction

When team members feel seen, supported, and challenged, they show up differently. If morale is low or turnover is creeping up, your leadership style might need a reset.

✨ Are your team members energized by their work, or just getting through the day?
✨ How might your leadership be influencing motivation and fulfillment?

Mark’s Story
Mark’s team was hitting targets, but morale was low and resignations were rising. He realized he’d been managing tasks, not people. After shifting to include recognition, feedback, and open team conversations, smiles—and engagement—returned.

✅ 2. Higher Levels of Engagement

Are your employees contributing energy and ideas—or just checking boxes? True leadership creates space for people to care about the work they’re doing.

✨ Do your team members feel safe and encouraged to speak up and contribute?
✨ Are you unintentionally reinforcing disengagement?

Mark’s Story
Mark realized he was rushing through meetings and shooting down new ideas. He introduced open-ended questions and monthly brainstorming sessions. In just a few weeks, his team started speaking up—and caring more.

✅ 3. Increased Productivity

Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things well. A focused leader helps the team cut through the noise.

✨ Is your team clear on priorities—or reacting in chaos?
✨ Are you modeling calm focus or feeding the confusion?

Mark’s Story
Mark’s team was busy, but not productive. He introduced a weekly priorities check-in and encouraged smarter delegation. The result? Clearer workflows, fewer meetings, and a noticeable boost in productivity.

✅ 4. Advanced Innovation

Innovation thrives where people feel safe to challenge the norm. Without psychological safety, creativity shuts down.

✨ Are you encouraging learning through risk—or rewarding only perfection?
✨ Does your leadership nurture or suppress creativity?

Mark’s Story
Mark had unintentionally discouraged experimentation. He introduced “What If?” sessions, celebrated small wins, and made space for bold ideas. Innovation took root, and the team’s confidence grew.

✅ 5. Effective Decision-Making

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about helping others make sound, timely decisions.

✨ Are you empowering your team—or bottlenecking progress with control?
✨ Does your team trust your judgment—and feel trusted in return?

Mark’s Story
Mark used to shoulder every decision. Once he clarified which decisions the team could own and introduced a decision-making framework, things changed. Confidence rose, decisions improved, and momentum accelerated.

✅ 6. Greater Accountability

Accountability thrives in clarity, trust, and consistency.

✨ When things go off-track, do your people take ownership—or shift blame?
✨ Are your expectations clearly communicated—and consistently upheld?

Mark’s Story
Mark had been avoiding hard conversations. Once he set clear expectations and followed through, accountability became a shared value—not just a top-down demand.

🧠 Reflection Bonus: Improved Collaboration

Do your team members connect and contribute—or simply comply?

Mark’s Story
Team huddles used to be silent and awkward. But once Mark started encouraging open dialogue and actively listening, collaboration improved naturally. The atmosphere shifted—and so did the outcomes.

So… How Did You Score?

Could you see yourself in Mark?

If you didn’t check all six boxes—you’re not alone. Many managers were never taught how to lead at this level. But that can change.

👉 That’s why I created McKeen’s Modules for Managers

This self-paced course helps you move from task manager to transformational leader—with practical tools, templates, and real-world strategies. 🔗 Explore the course now

✨ Ready to Lead with Clarity and Confidence?

Unlock 5 powerful leadership templates to help you take action immediately — from discovering your leadership identity to crafting a team vision that inspires.