Team Leader

Today , I am going to discuss about the characteristics of a leader who contributes in making the team successful. An effective team leader has a variety of traits and characteristics that encourage team members to follow them. Team leader  naturally possess certain qualities such as compassion and integrity or learn leadership skills through formal training and experience. The qualities of an effective team leader inspire the trust and respect of the team and stimulate production  within the workplace.The following are:

1.) Communication : Effective team leader communicate clearly. Quality verbal and written communication skills allow leader to present expectations to team members in a way can understand. Effective communication skills also allow team leader to listen to the input of others.

2.) Organization : Effective team leader possess exceptional organizational skills. Organizational skills help team leader plan objectives and strategies, which allow team members to perform optimally. Organized team leader put system in place that maintain order and guide team members toward meeting company goals and objectives.

3.) Confidence : A confident leader is secure in the decisions they makes that affect their team. A self- confident team leader also reassures team members of their authority within the organization.

4.) Respectful : A quality team leader is respectful of their team members. A respectful leader empowers employees by encouraging them to offer ideas about decisions that affect them. This lets team members know that the leader respects their inputs and opinions.

5.) Fair : A quality team leader treats team members fairly. They are consistent with rewards and recognition as well as disciplinary action. A fair leader ensures all employees receive the same treatment.

6.) Integrity : An effective team leader is honest and open with their team members. Leader who possess integrity gain the trust of team members because they does what they says they will do and treats others the same way they wants to be treated.

7.) Influential : Influential leaders help inspire the commitment of team members to meet company goals and objectives. Influential leader also help manage change in the workplace by gaining the confidence of workers through effective decision making and communiaction.

8.)  Delegation : Effective team leader know how to share leadership through delegation. Delegation certain tasks to trustworthy team members allow the leader to focus on improving workplace functions and production.

9.) Facilitator : Effective team leader are powerful facilitators. As a facilitator, team leader help workers understand their goals. They also help organize an action plan to ensure team members meet their goals and objectives more efficiently.

10.) Negotiation : Team leader utilize negotiation skills to achieve results and reach an understanding in the event of a workplace conflict. Team leader who negotiate effectively streamline the decision -  making process as well as solve problems for the best interest of everyone involved.

Source : http://smallbusiness.chron.com/10-effective-qualities-team-leader-23281.html

Guffey, M. E., Rogin, P., & Rhodes, K. (2011). Business communication: process and product (6th Canadian ed.). Toronto: Nelson Education.

 

Frances A. Kennedy, Linda B. Nilson. (n.d.). Successful Strategies for Teams. Retrieved from Clemson University: http://www.clemson.edu/OTEI/documents/teamwork-handbook.pdf