Effective team leaders can inspire the commitment of workers to achieve company goals and objectives. They also help manage change in the workplace by gaining the confidence of team members through their communication and decision making skills. But what does it take to be an effective team leader? Here are five qualities that every team leader should possess.
1. They know how to listen
Good team leaders are able to empathize with their team members and understand their concerns. They are able to hear the messages that are being conveyed in all forms of communication—verbal, non-verbal, and written. They also are able to recognize the contributions of their team Arif Bhalwani members. By listening to the opinions and concerns of their team, they can respond in an appropriate manner and offer valuable input to improve workplace performance.
2. They are able to think on their feet
It’s unavoidable that projects will encounter several hitches and issues, and a great team leader is capable of problem-solving on their feet. They don’t just react to the situation, but they weigh the pros and cons of several options before choosing the best course of action.
3. They prioritize outcomes and avoid getting caught up in details
A team leader needs to be able to keep focused on the project goal. They don’t get distracted by the fires that need to be put out and must have the ability to refocus their team when the smoke clears.
4. They understand the importance of a balanced work life
A successful project isn’t possible without a team that is well-balanced. Team leaders are responsible for ensuring that their team members have a healthy balance of work and home life by setting boundaries, encouraging self-care, and providing support when needed.
5. They can delegate effectively
A great team leader is able to delegate tasks to trustworthy team members, which allows them to focus on improving workplace functions and production. They also make sure their team members are comfortable taking on new roles or responsibilities by helping them navigate through the process of transferring ownership and training.
It’s important for team leaders to have a strong sense of community. They should spend time building personal ties with their team members and show that they care about their well-being. This includes making an effort to check in with each team member on a regular basis, such as weekly or daily, depending on how long the project lasts. They should also encourage questions and criticism and cheer their team members on, regardless of their performance. In addition, they should utilize a workload management tool to ensure that they can see what each team member has on their plate and avoid overloading them. This can be particularly beneficial if their team members are working across multiple projects and need to track individual priorities. This helps prevent overwork and burnout.