It has been said that a team is only as strong as their leader. I believe that. And I believe strong leaders work hard at building strong teams. It is a consistent back-and-forth, give-and-take. I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous organizations, helping them nurture their next generation of leaders. If you’re new to management and looking to excel in your role, there are certain skills you need to develop that build the strength of your team. Interestingly, they are probably the same skills your leader used to help nurture you into your current role.
Strong, effective teams have great communication. Be adept at not only expressing your ideas clearly but also actively listening to your team members. Open, transparent, and honest communication fosters trust, encourages collaboration, and sets the foundation for a cohesive team.
So does empathy. Empathy is the ability to sense what someone else is feeling and acknowledge their right to feel the way they do without needing to take on, expand upon or diminish their feelings. How you demonstrate empathy will define whether your team feels safe, understood, and supported – which will help determine whether or not they trust you and each other.
Model the way. I know I say this often, but its importance cannot be overstated. Your actions speak louder you’re your words, and your team will look to you for guidance. Demonstrating professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude will inspire your team to do the same.
Don’t be afraid to delegate. Delegating tasks effectively is a hallmark of successful leadership. When you’re new to management, it’s easy to struggle with the balance between micromanaging and delegating too much. Learning to trust your team and delegate responsibilities based on their strengths and abilities is crucial to building a high-functioning team.
Tell them where they’re going and why. Clearly defining team goals and ensuring that each team member understands their role in achieving those goals is crucial. Become adept at setting SMART goals for your team and aligning them with the overall objectives of the organization.
By honing these essential skills, you can begin to create a dynamic and motivated team that can achieve remarkable results. Keep at it. Building a strong team is an ongoing process that requires effort and continuous dedication.
Read Lauren’s Whitepaper on The Nine Essentials of Significant Leadership.
