Leadership - Ten Ways To Be Better At Leading Teams
Leadership is a fascinating art. A balance between
getting things done and having enough about you to
maximize both the motivation and engagement of all
of your people for now and the future.
In any business there is a need to lead teams, unless
there is just the one of you. So, being savvy about
the clear points that youi need to have in your own
skillset are vital.
Here are ten of the best ways to be better at leading
teams:-
1. Lead!
With your team, take the initiative, show the passion
and get things moving. Take it as your personal focus
that will grow this business and show it off!
2. Set an Example
Whatever the team comes up with, be open to. You
know you can't do it all, yet if you veto everything,
them they will get cheesed off. Learn communication
skills which enquire rather than reject.
3. Behave Yourself
As well as ideas, where changes have to be made,
be a part of it. It's no good saying it's OK for
everyone else except you - you must be in the mix.
Model changes in for all to see - and it will rub
off.
4. Plan Ahead
Get your Succession Planning right for the future
by watching for potential, nurturing new talent.
When you are Leading Teams you have the space for
this work, if you are realistic enough with what
you let go.
5. Accept Feedback
By being open to feedback, others will be too. You
will find this hugely empowering for your team members.
Let them be creative about you and your learning.
Accept you aren't perfect (by the way - this in itself
builds great relationships)
6. Fight for Your Team
You need to be brave for them - they look to you
to fly their flag. Can you do that? Can you get really
persuasive with your bosses and other stakeholders,
to get what your people need to do an excellent job?
7. Let People Go Sometimes
In two circumstances, you need to let people go.
When they aren't performing and when they are ready
for the next step. Be the person who delivers this
- it might be their first experience of it - and
a good thing at that.
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8. Have a Sense of Humor
In context, have fun, share jokes and enjoy a happy
team! Leading your team means that you are allowed
get a bit silly sometimes - yep, you've got to be
controlled - but when was the last time you all had
fun? What memories will you hold?
9. Say No
Be prepared to say no sometimes! It's OK to do this.
Your team will understand as long as it is consistent
and fits the overall vision. Even when it doesn't,
they want consistency - so be ready.
10. Be Humble and Proud
Whilst you don't need to get to emotional about
it - subtly admit that you are impressed by your
people; that they do you proud. Be like this to them
and just as importantly, to others. It will get back
to them and this will be an enormous boost for them
and for overall team spirit.
Leading great teams need not be complicated and
it can be quite fun. It is an interesting responsibility,
yet one which so many have and yet just miss the
boat. Trying out these little ideas might just be
perfect to set you up to win!
by
Martin Haworth
