Send to KindleTeam Leader Responsibilities
You’re going to be leading a team and it suddenly hits you. How? What’s the secret to effective team leadership?
Here are some basic tips to help you get started right.
1. Make sure you have a clear mission and definite goals. Then make sure everyone on the team understands the mission and goals. For a more effective team, make sure each team member knows how they contribute and that you value that contribution.
2. Encourage, even demand full participation. It isn’t uncommon for teams to devolve into a few members who actually work. When each member knows what they are expected to contribute, it’s easier to keep them engaged throughout the project.
3. Insist on open communication. That isn’t to say you can’t allow subgroups within your team. Just make sure they keep everyone informed about what they’re doing. This is an especially important point for virtual or distance teams where there is little or no face-to-face contact.
4. Keep your boss informed on what the team is doing. Occasionally provide an update to keep the boss up to speed, and happy, and also allow him or her to make minor course corrections if necessary. That will prevent discovering that you needed to approach the mission differently at the end of the project.
5. Most importantly, always remember that the team’s purpose is not to further your career. It’s interesting that understanding this point will be much more likely to advance your career than specifically using the team to advance your career.
One more thing. Have fun! And make it fun for your team too.
