Any company or group of people with shared goals needs a good team leader. However, it can be difficult to know what makes a good team leader. Understanding how to be a successful team leader can have numerous benefits for the leader and for the whole team.
What is the role of a team leader?
It's natural to question 'what is the role of a team leader' or 'what does a team leader do,' as these individuals may just appear as a person with a fancy title. However, team leaders play a vital role in guiding, mentoring, and supporting their team. As a team of people share the same objectives, one of the main goals a team leader will have is to create a clear path to achieve these objectives.
A team leader can help their team with personal development by coaching them to broaden their skills and confidence. They also act as valuable intermediaries between members of the team and those outside of the team that want to collaborate. This is why every team leader sees the value of effective communication and takes this aspect seriously in their role.
Any functional team will follow some sort of structure. The responsibility of upholding an organised system usually falls on the shoulders of the team leader, who is in charge of maintaining a record of any tasks that need to be completed, upcoming deadlines, and the performance of each team member. They are largely responsible for giving team members a clear idea of what they are supposed to be doing and redirecting them if they are unsure. This helps to keep the team operating effectively and in harmony.
How to be a good team leader
Every person who wants to become a team leader wants to know how to be the best team leader. When a person becomes a team leader, they need to embody all of the traits that a good leader in life would have. For example, a good team leader will have the right mindset. This means focusing on what can be changed within a team or company rather than dwelling on trivial matters.
Motivation is also something that every good team leader should have. This shouldn't be limited to personal motivation but also extends to inspiring their team and ensuring that they are creating a positive working environment with minimal tension.
Furthermore, a good team leader will not dictate to their team and ignore their input. Instead, these individuals will value the opinions and contributions of their team, working alongside them to achieve a common goal. In a similar vein, these individuals will also be masters of conflict resolution. Disagreements crop up in every team, but it's the team leaders' responsibility to resolve these matters effectively, respectfully, and in a timely manner. This requires a lot of problem-solving skills and a calm temperament to encourage a collaborative team dynamic rather than a hostile one.
What makes a good team leader in the workplace?
Knowing how to be a good team leader is especially important in the workplace as it's a setting where hierarchies are formed and where there are high stress levels. A good team leader in the workplace will never practice favouritism and will treat every member in the same way. They should be communicative and approachable, with a clear vision of what the team is progressing towards.
Although a professional team leader should follow some sort of structure when in their role, they shouldn't become too regimental as every team needs their leader to be open-minded to nurture mutual discussions. When a team member has excelled in a particular field or completed a task to a high standard, it's the team leader's responsibility to recognise this achievement and put the spotlight on their dedication. This means treating team members with empathy rather than just a worker.
How to motivate a team as a leader
Knowing how to motivate a team as a leader is crucial. A team leader should motivate their team by positive reinforcement instead of with fear-based tactics. They should set an example for their team by practising what they are preaching. For example, if a team leader wants their team to be inspired about a particular project, they should also show enthusiasm about the same project. As a team leader, those working under you will absorb your energy. Therefore, if you aren't showing that you are motivated towards achieving a particular goal, they will also feel deflated about it.
Furthermore, team members will lose motivation when their efforts aren't appreciated or they feel they aren't being heard. This is why it's vital to treat every team member as an individual and highlight their efforts when it's relevant to do so. On top of this, if they raise concerns about something, it's crucial not to be understanding, clearly communicating to them that you understand where they're coming from. Giving feedback is also a crucial part of being a good team leader as it shows your team that you are interested in their personal development and gives them an opportunity to become better workers.
As a team leader in a workplace, it's important to remember that although a team is made up of individuals, they need to work well as a team. This is why scheduling time for the team to connect through team bonding activities is imperative for making sure they are more comfortable in a team dynamic.
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