Never begin your team conversation with what is not done!

Our Tech Startup has several first-time team leaders; I was speaking to one of them. We were talking about the process of reviewing action items with his team members.
In the middle of an action plan review, you forget what your teammates have accomplished. It is always a good idea to begin team conversations with what has been achieved in the previous week or month. Celebrate small successes and congratulate the team member. If required, bring in your manager to join this small celebration.

When you talk to teammates about what has already been done, most employees voluntarily talk about the few tasks not accomplished. They also outline their plan to complete the pending tasks. This way, you shift the ownership of the pending task to the employee. By focusing on what is not done, you may create an irksome atmosphere. Ownership of this pending task also shifts to you (the team leader); you certainly do not want this.

So, remember, Mr. Team Leader! Never begin your team conversation with what is not done!