Week 1 – The Start-up Workshop and connecting with the Team Leader
Week 1
Start-up Workshop and Connecting with the Team Leader
Congratulations on a successful Start-up Workshop! The energy is high, but the clock is already ticking. The day after the workshop is Day 1 of your 100-day sprint. This week is a critical transition period where the team moves from the “high” of the workshop into the reality of daily execution.
Podcast
Click here to listen to two Coaches discussing the mission and tasks this week – with great tips!
As a coach, your primary task this week is to pass the baton to the Team Leader. While they will likely need significant support during these first few days, it is essential that they begin to own the sprint. Your role shifts to being the navigator and cheerleader on the side of the track.
Your Key Tasks This Week
Establish the Coaching Relationship
Schedule a dedicated one-on-one meeting with the Team Leader to formalise how you will work together. This is the “contracting” phase of your relationship. Your agenda should include:
- The Debrief: Discuss the Start-up Workshop. How does the Leader feel about the team’s energy and the goals they set?
- Finalising Deliverables: If the 100-Day Goal, Work Plan, or Team Agreement needs minor “polishing” post-workshop, identify who needs to do what and set a deadline for this week.
- The Three Elements of Success: Revisit what “winning” looks like at Day 100. Use these as your North Star for coaching:
- Impact: The measurable SMURF goal is achieved.
- Team Vitals: The team is high-performing, connected, and proud.
- Sustainability: A clear plan exists to scale the results beyond 100 days.
What Does Success Look Like at the End of the 100 Days?
- Defining the Coaching Cadence: Agree on how and when you will provide support. Will you meet for 15 minutes before every weekly meeting? How should the Leader reach out when they hit a roadblock? See the Learning Deep Dive: Coaching Team Leaders to learn more about this.
Coaching Team Leaders
- The Team Pulse: Share perspectives on individual team members. Who needs an extra nudge? Who is already emerging as a “champion”?
Update the Leadership Circle
Maintain the momentum by keeping high-level stakeholders informed. You are responsible for drafting a progress update on behalf of the Challenge Strategist.
- The Goal: Inform leadership of the specific 100-Day Goal and the highlights of the 100-Day Plan.
- The Process:
1. Draft the note using the provided sample template.
2. Review it with the Team Leader first. Getting her input and “buy-in” is a crucial step in her taking ownership of the project.
3. Once finalised, share it with the Challenge Strategist to distribute to the broader stakeholder group.
Coach's Pro-Tip: Being Strong Together
This guide is designed to help you move the team from “Excitement” to “Action.” By establishing a strong partnership with the Team Leader now, you ensure the sprint stays on track even when the terrain gets tough.
