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Are you an Effective Team Leader?

Guest post by: Anne Bachrach

Article Overview: Understandably, most businesses are focused on nurturing the relationships with their clients, but running a successful business is also dependent on effective management and leadership skills. So, ask yourself, are you an effective team leader?

Are you an Effective Team Leader?



Understandably, most businesses are focused on nurturing the relationships with their clients, but running a successful business is also dependent on effective management and leadership skills. So, ask yourself, are you an effective team leader?

Do you lead by example?

One of the best ways to fully understand how to become an effective leader is leading by example. If you expect your team to work diligently to meet a goal, you must do so yourself. And, if you expect your team to constantly improve their productivity, share your secrets for continuous personal and professional improvement.

Action Step: If you are not leading by example, then change your actions immediately. How can you expect your team to follow your golden rules if you do not follow them yourself?

Are you compassionate and patient, yet firm?

In order to understand how to be an effective leader, you must be compassionate to the human condition. Effective leaders are understanding and patient; yet do not allow themselves or their team to compromise on the very things that make a business successful.

Action Step: Reaffirm you are a team - and operate as a team. At the next team meeting, ask for their feedback. What's working? What's not working? Involve them in the solution process by asking for possible solutions to problems.

Are you an approachable leader?

One of the most valuable traits of an effective team leader is that they're willing to teach. Some team leaders will scold employees and expect them to learn new concepts right away - and this is a perfect example of the actions of an ineffective team leader. Effective leaders never criticize learning styles or pace - they adjust their teaching style to accommodate the team member's learning ability.

If your team is terrified to approach you for help, they will not be performing to their fullest potential.

Action Step: Practice being approachable. At times, team members will come to you for help when it is convenient for them, but not so convenient for you. Often times, you will need to shift gears quickly, but without appearing irritated or frustrated. Always try to improve your approach with team members, showing calmness, professionalism and immediate solutions.

Do your actions build team loyalty?

An effective leader doesn't earn loyalty by instilling fear. An effective leader knows how to positively gain trust, loyalty and dedication of the entire team. Your team will only back you up when you back them up. Every time you stand behind them, this builds loyalty and a valuable team mentality.

Be sure to choose quality team members who show a solid history of reliability, consistent performance, and stability when building your team. Be particular about potential team members and do thorough research and reference checks before bringing them on board.

Other Tips to Build Team Loyalty...

• Pay above minimum wage

• Be flexible when there's a disaster or emergency

• Give holiday bonuses or small gifts

• Hold team building events (e.g. sports, meals, etc)

• Remember birthdays and employment anniversaries

Action Step: Evaluate your team members. Are they the right team? Do they deliver what the business needs to grow? Are you providing incentive and support for the team's effective performance? Identify changes or adjustments needed to make the business more effective.

So how did you score? Being an effective leader takes time and lots of personal development. Ultimately, how far you want to take your success depends on you. When you commit to evolving into the best person you can be, your success follows suit - and so does your team.

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Article Tags: effective management, effective team leader, leadership skills, loyalty, team leader



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