Leading A Successful TeamLeading a team is not as difficult as you make it. Leading is just that, leading; it's not just being a manager nor is it a dictatorship. It's a coach and when you think about any coach you have had they are usually someone you trust and someone to guide you to the success of your big picture goals.
1. Set Clear Expectations & Have Goals
First and foremost your team must understand what your expectations are and you as their leader must understand what their expectations are as well. Have a meeting with your team and ask for their input on goals and how to achieve them, this promotes buy in and a sense of ownership. 2. Write It Down
I like to say "what gets measured gets done". Once you have buy in from your team you then need to write it down. Make this something fun that you will place in a common area of your workplace for all to see. That way everyone will know exactly how far along you are to achieving your goals. 3. Lead With Attitude
You set the example and the rhythm for your team. You must be contagious with your positive attitude. You are the fuel that keeps the engine running smoothly. 4. Learn To Delegate
A leader is not someone who completes every task themselves; a leader is someone who knows how to use the talents of their team. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks or projects to your team. By doing this you build trust not only from you to your team but from your team to you. 5. Know What Kind Of Leader You Are
There are four different leadership styles, which is the right one?
-Autocratic -Bureaucratic -Democratic -Laissez-Faire or Free Reign As a good leader you will need to be all of these leadership styles depending on the situation. This is called situational leadership. 6. Say Thank You
What did you say? Thank you? Yes as simple as it sounds you often forget to say a simple "thank you". Employee satisfaction surveys routinely reveal that the feeling of appreciation and making a difference on the job is one of the top motivators. 7. Follow Up/Celebrate
As you and your team achieve your goals you will need to periodically re-evaluate your goals and the plans you made to achieve them. You will need to celebrate the great accomplishments of completing a goal. And tweak the action plans on other goals that have yet to be accomplished. |
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