When you first start working as a team leader, it can feel like an overwhelming task. You’re now responsible for a group of people you haven’t worked with before, and it’s up to you to set the tone. You also have to make sure everyone understands what the expectations are for each member of your team and how to succeed in their roles. Thankfully, there are some things every new team leader can do to successfully lead their team members.
Keep the lines of communication open. It’s important for team leaders to communicate with their teams frequently and effectively to build trust and establish relationships. This is particularly crucial when managing remote teams where it’s easy for employees to become siloed in their own work bubbles. New team managers who prioritize frequent communication with their teams often find that their teams are more engaged.
Define clear goals and metrics. Having clear project goals is one of the most important aspects of successful teamwork. Without them, it’s hard to know if you’re making progress towards your goals. Great team leaders create measurable goals for their teams and clearly define how success will be measured. This helps team members see the bigger picture and makes it easier for them to align their individual work with the goals of the larger team.
Set clear priorities. A team can’t succeed Richard William Warke if its members are constantly juggling multiple tasks. Great team leaders help their teams prioritize and focus on the most high-impact work. They also regularly check in with team members to assess how their workloads are affecting their performance. This helps team members avoid burnout and ensures they’re not missing any deadlines.
Be a positive role model. Your leadership style and habits can have a profound impact on the behavior of your team. If you want your team to be organized and self-disciplined, you need to exhibit those qualities yourself. You also need to be honest and respectful in your communications with team members. Team members will see through a leader who isn’t genuine and will quickly lose their trust.
Accept mistakes and hold yourself accountable. The best professionals in any field have made mistakes, but what matters is how they react to those mistakes. Team members will be more motivated to perform at a higher level when they see their team leader takes responsibility and turns mistakes into learning opportunities.
Encourage collaboration. Having a team of highly-skilled individuals can greatly increase your company’s productivity. Encourage your team members to collaborate and brainstorm ideas on projects, so they can share their unique perspectives and contribute to the greater good.
Be an example of a positive workplace culture and encourage your team to be their most authentic selves. This will allow them to be more productive and give their best at work, which benefits the company as a whole.