Having a successful leadership is always the goal of every responsible leader. This doesn’t come easy with putting tangible effort and acquiring necessary skills to make such happen. Being able to work effectively on, and lead a team is critical. It requires fostering the right leadership qualities in yourself and others. Being a good leader is a cumulative task of taking right decisions and exhibiting right behaviour.
Below are ways to lead a team successfully:
- Establish a hierarchy
The chain of command within a team should be clear cut, transparent and known by all. An ineffective leader is not just one who bosses everyone around or demands a respect he has not earned. An ineffective leader is also one who does not establish a plain hierarchy. If you are a leader, you make final decisions on matters. Everyone knows who they report to. Draw up a chart indicating the levels of everyone with their responsibilities. You should also make them aware you recognize their roles and their input is germane to the success of the team.
- Make time to lead
To be effective as a leader, you have to invest time in your role. Unfortunately, leaders add their responsibilities to subordinates who already have their responsibilities or a long list of work to do. This leads to the failure of a leader. As a leader, you have to keep frequent and open communication line with your team and help them out when they encounter problems. Not just that, to lead successfully, you have to solve problems, fill in the gap for your team members, and work the hardest, if not even the longest. Make sure you make yourself available when your team members need you. Create time to actually lead those you say you lead.
- Lead by example
Tam leaders generally work alongside their team members. Team members derive inspiration and motivation from the leader, hence the need for the leader to lead by example. You have to be hardworking, be honest and respect your subordinates. You treat everyone equally and make room for them to be comfortable around you. Do not criticize a team member in the presence of others as it could taint the image of that individual in the sight of his or her colleagues and subordinates. Be open to changes and adjustments to help your team function effectively. Your team’s mistake is ultimately your responsibility.
- Get to know your team
Leadership is founded on how well you can influence your team so as to achieve a desired objective. This influence can only be exerted on teammates on the basis of how well you know them. Take your time to know your team, their issues, aspirations, strength and weaknesses. This would go a long way in achieving objectives in the organization because of the bond amongst you all.
- Delegate
As a team leader, it is not expected you do the whole work or do other people’s job. It is important you delegate tasks to other team members and trust they would get the task done properly. As a leader, you make the team know what is expected of them as regards the tasks given to them and they get them done. The ability to know who is appropriate for each task rests on your ability to figure the strength and weakness of your team members. When giving out tasks, be decisive and make it clear what you want them to accomplish. When issues arise, leave the team to find the solution without you, if possible. Delegating helps to improve your followers and as well make them better than who they were.
- Reward the good and learn from the bad
It is important for leaders to recognize and acknowledge the good work and outstanding performances of their followers. Rewards should be given out to those who do great as this helps to boost the morale of your subordinates. The rewards need not necessarily be cash. Verbal praises in the presence of others goes a long way in making an individual feel good and zealous to do greater things.
When teammates perform poorly, such low performances should be tackled on time. No public scolding should be made on team members, it is best done privately if need be to scold. Team members should be corrected, shown how not to make such mistakes in future and be encouraged.
- Enjoy leading
Being a leader does not necessarily mean you should be serious at all times. Leading is a mixture of fun and seriousness. It is important to balance the equation, do not get carried away. There is fun in leading, especially when the team is producing desired results.
Finally, to lead effectively, a good leader must continuously build strategic skills for effective decision making, strategy development and implementation. A good leader should always have a holistic approach to identifying problems, formulating solutions and adapting to change. As one who drives growth and development, he should constantly seek out new techniques and technologies for driving results throughout the company. He should identify new approach to leadership and acquire new ideas to optimize and sustain growth.
