Leading men was considered to be a natural trait in traditional days. Not everyone could be a leader. But, the good news is that leadership skills can be learned. The concept of leadership is one of the most widely discussed one with hundreds of books and research articles written on the impact of a good leader on a team. I believe that while a captain is only as good as his team, a good leader can create a good team.
But, what is leadership? Who is a leader?
Leaders and Leadership
There are many ways of defining a leader and leadership. In the professional context, a leader is someone who rallies his team towards a common goal for the benefit of the organization and the growth of each of the team members.
Before we talk about good leaders and how they can create good teams, I would like to highlight the difference between a manager and a leader. In India, designations can often be addling. For example, there is a team leader who reports to a team manager. So, are we saying that a manager is more effective than a leader for a team? Just to clear the confusion, here is a quick look at the difference between a manager and a leader.
While there are many differences between a leader and a manager, Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, a legendary computer scientist once defined it in very simple words:
You manage things; you lead people!
It defines it perfectly. A manager is good at setting goals, defining processes, and ensuring that the vision set by a leader is fulfilled. Hence, a leader plays a pivotal role in establishing a team and guiding it to the dizzying heights of success.
Here are some important that you should keep in mind to be a good leader:
—Lead by Example—
A team will respect a leader who knows how to lead by example. If you want your team to ensure punctuality, then it is important to remember that it starts with you. Even if you are working late, ensure that you walk in on time and set an example for your team. If you keep preaching about how a certain task should be done, you are not likely to get great results. Roll up your sleeves and show your team how it is done!
—Every leader should be a coach—
Coaching should be inherent to a leader. It is important to not mix coaching with teaching or training. If your team needs to learn a specific skill or software, then you are training/teaching them. Coaching is more personal and involves talking to each team member and offering direction and guidance. You will also have to provide feedback and track the process of each member until the goals are met.
—Adversities test leaders—
The test of a leader is when he is up against an impossible situation. These are the times you need to display optimism, calmness, and find creative ways to solve the problem without ever losing control over the situation. Such behavior can inspire your team and start a positive domino effect resulting in an efficient team.
—Never Act in Haste—
Hasty decisions are seldom effective. The corporate world is rife with situations where leaders have to make numerous decisions in a short span. Hence, if there are tasks that can be put off for later, do it!
—Communicate with your team—
Your team members are talented, right? So, make sure that you make them feel that you value them for their talents, knowledge, and skills. Communicate with them regularly and ask for suggestions and tips on how you can do better as a team.
—Listen—
One of the biggest qualities of a leader is to listen to understand and not just to respond. Be it your boss or the junior-most member of your team; inculcate the habit of attentive listening.
—Always have your team’s back—
Dependability and reliability are equally important for a good leader. Your team should be able to trust that you have their back under any circumstance. Any mistake made by any member of the team is your failure and you should learn to handle the outcome without throwing the team member under the bus.
Summing Up
Every team is unique and hence, every leader needs to adopt a unique strategy to suit the team. However, with the right mindset and approach, anyone can become a good leader and create a wonderful team.
