Improving leadership within my team.
Leadership is a crucial aspect of business success and team management. A business, like a team, without a good leader is likely to be directionless, disorganised, and less productive. As a leader, you are responsible for guiding your team, setting goals, forming purpose and creating a positive work environment. If you’re looking to improve leadership within your team, here are the seven key considerations that can support you becoming a better leader.
- Set Clear Goals and Expectations. As a leader, you should set clear goals and expectations for your team. These goals should be SMART. S is for Specific, ever been asked to get something from the car when what the person meant was that it’s in the glove box. Being specific speeds up the understanding and also the results. M is for Measurable, make sure there are specific measurables you can track quantifiable. A is for Attainable, you need to pick the target which is can be attained otherwise motivation will reduce. R is for Relevant, a goal about arranging a Christmas party when it’s January is probably the best use of resource at that time. Finally, T is for time-bound, setting goals without a clear time lime and end date loses sight of the targets you want to hit. Communicate these goals and expectations to your team, and ensure that everyone understands them. And don’t just let them say “yes” we understand ask them to repeat their understanding back to you from their notes. When everyone is clear on what they need to accomplish, it’s easier to align your efforts towards a common goal.
- 2. Communicate Effectively. Effective communication is one of the most important skills for any leader. As a leader, you should be able to communicate your goals, expectations, and vision clearly to your team. You should also be able to listen actively to your team and encourage open communication. Regular team meetings, one-on-one conversations, and feedback sessions can help you to stay connected with your team and ensure that everyone is on the same page. The frequency of these meeting depends on the situation but as a rule think of the information you wish to convey and how long it would be okay to wait until it was resolved or started. For example, if your profit margin was really good because of a new best practice of working, how long would you wait before telling everyone else?
3. Lead by Example. As a leader, you should set an example for your team to follow. Your actions speak louder than words, so you should model the behaviour you want to see in your team. For example, if you want your team to be punctual, then you should always be on time for meetings. If you want your team to be respectful and supportive of one another, then you should show respect and support to your team members. So, practice what you preach, if you want people to have time to relax at the weekends don’t be sending work emails on Sunday!
4. Empower Your Team. As a leader, you should empower your team by giving them the resources, training, and support they need to do their jobs well. You should delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members and give them the autonomy to make decisions. If you have a challenge around trusting it won’t go wrong be clear in what is acceptable in terms of autonomy. If you think of it as giving them a car, they have the responsibility of looking after it by filling up with petrol, general maintenance etc. But if a warning light comes on or the car is damaged then they have to let you know. This not only helps your team to develop their skills, but it also gives them a sense of ownership and accountability.
5. Provide Feedback and Recognition. Feedback is essential for growth and development, giving regular feedback to your team is a must. This feedback should be constructive and specific, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. It doesn’t have to always be formal or in private – if done constructively and would benefit other team members. You should also recognise and celebrate the achievements of your team members, whether big or small, and also to the wider team showing them the behaviours you like to see in all of them. Recognising and rewarding good work can boost morale and motivation.
6. Create a Positive Work Environment. A positive work environment is essential for team productivity and well-being. As a leader, you should create an environment that is respectful, inclusive, and supportive. Encourage collaboration and teamwork, and foster a culture of open communication and feedback. You should also ensure that your team has the resources and tools they need to do their jobs effectively, such as comfortable workspaces, modern technology, and adequate training.
7. Continuously Learn and Grow. Finally, to be an effective leader, you should continuously learn and grow, and then share your learnings with the team. Attend conferences, read books and articles, and seek out mentorship or coaching. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving your skills and knowledge. This not only helps you to become a better leader, but it also sets an example for your team members to follow.
In conclusion, improving leadership within your team requires a combination of skills, behaviours, and attitudes. By setting clear goals and expectations, communicating effectively, leading by example, empowering your team, providing feedback and recognition, creating a positive work environment, and continuously learning and growing, you can become a better leader and help your team to achieve its full potential.
If you would like more specific guidance with understanding this or any elements on you and your team, why not take a look at our NoLimits Community – become a member at any level and join our community.
By Jeremy Graham-Clare