As great as any job can be, without good leaders, employees will lose motivation and the zeal to work. Leading a team brings with it a number of challenges and can feel like no matter what you do, someone will be unhappy. So if you want to succeed as a team leader, what qualities are essential to your success?
Effective Communication
The best managers understand the need for building alliances, and communicating effectively throughout all levels of the organization. Knowing what you want to accomplish may seem clear in your head, but if you try to explain it to an employee who doesn’t quite understand your goals, then you know there is a problem. Managers must clearly articulate strategies and plans, so that an employee team able to work towards your vision and the organization’s purpose and values.
Your communication skills, needs to have a strong focus in your strategy. Being able to clearly and specifically describe what you want to accomplish is extremely important, because as the team lead, you set the pace. Communication is critical for building alignment and executing strategy. Effective communication is more than a one way conversation but by managing feedback given at all levels.
Leading by Example
One sure way to demonstrate your commitment to the role is to show what you can do. This means being a good role model for your team in terms of what you expect yourself in terms of behaviour. Team leaders need to be the example of how they want their employees to perform. If you expect your employees to work hard, then you must work hard as well. If you want your employees to provide excellent customer service, then you need to show the same.
Ability to Inspire & Win Trust
Employees are more loyal and enthusiastic when they work in an environment run by people they trust. In building trust with others it is important to remember that extending trust brings out the best in people. As an employee begins to earn your trust, extend it conditionally and consistent with their ability. As they deliver results and meet expectations, extend more trust by raising the expectations. The attributes to build trust and effective relationships can be developed over time with enough practice and commitment.
