5 leadership hacks for managing tender teams
By Roshan Sahukar, Tender Specialist (Sydney)
We all know that bids can soon become chaotic if not managed effectively. In bidding, if there’s one thing that gives a bid team confidence so they can thrive and do their best work, it’s structure. Not the rigid, unyielding kind but the type of structure that aids progress and keeps the bid moving forward. Here are five essential tricks for a submission manager to keep the tender team on track and set them up for success.
1. Lock in regular check-ins from day one
What
Secure regular (weekly or more frequent) check-in meetings with lead authors and contributors from the very beginning and throughout a bid.
Why
Popping regular meetings in diaries early on allows you to set expectations for the tender team from the outset and ensures they stay accountable throughout the process.
Benefits
Promotes accountability from team members
Encourages writers to continually progress returnable schedules throughout the bid
Allows early identification of potential roadblocks in the process.
2. Conduct weekly stand-ups
What
A brief, regular weekly meeting for the entire tender team, held in person or online.
Why
It’s a great way for all members of the bid team to come together and share and receive important information.
Benefits
Fosters a team mentality and a positive culture that rewards team players (see Star of the week, above)
Allows the bid director and submission manager to make announcements and flag important dates such as interactive workshops, bid milestones and review dates
Sets up a culture of collaboration and communication, where team members can share challenges and information.
3. Set up an incentive scheme
What
Each week the tender management team nominates team members who have been most proactive, helpful and committed to the goals of the tender team. Shortlisted nominees are given a shout-out and the winner is awarded ‘Star of the Week’. The winner receives a coffee (or other token of appreciation) as well as the honour of acknowledgement and recognition of a job well done.
Why
We began using Star of the Week to promote a positive team culture and acknowledge the unsung heroes of a bid – those who are working hard behind the scenes – and because we’re genuinely grateful for their assistance in progressing a tender response. It’s a way of recognising the team players and quiet achievers during a bid and acts as an incentive scheme to motivate the team as a whole. Bidding can be a thankless task for team members who are often expected to work on a bid while keeping up their day job.
Benefits
Strengthens team mentality
Creates a culture of gratitude and recognition
Rewards collaboration and positive contributions.
4. Keep communication channels open
What
It’s being accessible to your bid team, picking up the phone to check in on contributors and encouraging them to reach out at any time.
Why
Great communication is the sign of a great leader and essential for managing productive and successful teams.
Benefits
Encourages open collaboration and information sharing throughout the bid duration
Avoids small issues becoming big ones by empowering the team to flag things early on
Allows the submission team to be across progress and adjust resources accordingly.
5. Be flexible
What
We’re not wedded to a particular leadership style, preferring instead to be adaptive and modify our approach in line with the needs of the team and what’s working or not working.
Why
As tender consultants, every tender we work on is different and so are the personalities in the team. By being flexible, and ready to pivot at any moment, we can be responsive to the needs of the team. This encourages innovation and collective problem-solving, while remaining true to best practice tender management.
Benefits
Helps tailor your support to the team while acknowledging the importance of a clear tender process
Champions a creative culture, empowering team members to solve problems with innovative solutions
Allows teams to change things up and try a new approach if something isn’t working.
Want to learn more about leading tender teams? Try Proactive tender management and good leadership and accountability will beat chaos in a bid team.
Tender Plus offers tender strategy, tender management and tender writing support nationwide via our talented teams in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Reach out to find out how we can help you win business.