10 Qualities of an Effective Team Leader

A team is created by mingling individuals of different personalities and the team leader is the one who molds them together so that they can gel and work in a harmonious atmosphere.

It is the person in charge who must have the ability to bring out the best in every individual so that they no longer are separate entities but become a single person working towards a common goal. There can only be one leader in any team and it is better to establish your supremacy at the beginning itself so that everyone can work in a synchronized manner.

1) He is an excellent communicator

A good team leader is the one whose thought process is clear with both written and verbal skills of communication up to the mark. He must be aware of every pros and con and can show the right path to his team. A leader must be a good conversationalist so that his team understands his views and can easily intercept the meaning and work diligently to achieve the set standards.

Your passion for your work and team must be reflected in your views and the way you handle your members. Mingle with each one of the members separately to know them individually, and communicate with them your desire to bring out the best in each one of them. Make them feel special individually as well as collectively so that an unbreakable bond forms within your network and you can proudly announce that this is my team. It is possible only with good communication and oratory skills.

2) He has good listening skills

It is vitally important to create a balanced team that has an affinity with each other. It can be achieved when the team leader is willing to listen attentively to others in a calm and supportive manner. Encourage your team members to express their views and open up with each other and yourself as it will build personal connections.

Even if you are not in tandem with their thought process listen politely and then make your decision. You as a team leader are accountable for every action of your team so it is not necessary to work according to the thinking process of your team but the willingness to listen will create a great bonding between you all.  Your team must have the confidence to approach you in any circumstance and that is possible only via an open-door policy between you all.

3) An Effective Team Leader Is Organized

Create a team that is organized and respectful of others. Let them be accountable for every action as an individual and as a team. This will create a sense of belonging and responsibility within the team and create a serious connection between each member.

An organized team is on-board with your vision and this alignment will save time and work in your favor because the work of an effective leader is to get the work done capably and within the time frame. The organization skills of a team leader will stimulate production and encourage the team members to give optimal performance.

4) The confidence level is high

Be confident in yourself and the decisions you are making. Leadership demands ethical behavior, consistent performance, open communication and honest dealings between the team. There is no room for doubts or low self-confidence as it may lower the morale of your team.

Even if you are thinking out of the box it is your assertiveness and confidences that will find favor within the team so that you can change your visionary thoughts into reality. A team leader must offer encouragement and guidance to the team and keep it within the loop so that they can maintain their self-confidence and work even better.

5) He is respectful

Treat your subordinates, colleagues, and peers with the same courtesy that you expect for yourself from others. It is your actions that show your respect and when the team realizes that you are respectful of others they will also follow in your footsteps and show the same regard.

Be supportive and respectful of your team and see the difference when each member willingly works a bit more to gain your approval. Respect and positive attitude are contagious and this will help in creating a supportive and productive professional environment.

6) Has high integrity

A team leader must set high standards by adopting unquestionable integrity. Be honest with yourself and expect the same honesty from your team members as sincerity and integrity always go hand in hand.

Never compromise with your core values or work ethics and you will find your team following you in your beliefs as a team always tries to mimic the leader. Your enthusiasm and persistence will encourage your team members to show the same tenacity. A strong leader with high integrity will be honest and open with others and when this is reflected via your daily actions you will be rewarded with the same confidence and loyalty of your team.

7) Leads by example

A superior leader must lead by example is a very common but true saying. He must have the charisma to inspire his team and persuade them to follow him unconditionally without any arguments. A team always looks up to its leader both in favorable and adverse conditions.

They must have the confidence in your capability of handling each and every situation attentively and successfully.  It is up to a good leader to motivate and inspire his team so that the best work comes out of each individual and they become ready to face any challenge with a smiling face. Stand by the decision you make.  If it goes in your favor praise the team and if circumstances are against you then accept the responsibility as a team leader. Do not blame your team publicly as you will lose the respect of others.

8) Uses delegation

You cannot work each and every aspect of a project yourself. This is the reason you have been allotted a team. Use it wisely. Make sure to create a team that you can respect and also can gain respect. Make sure to put forward your ideas in a clear and precise manner so that there is no confusion. You must be aware of the strength and weakness of your team and hence delegate the work accordingly. It is vital for a team leader to focus on key matters and delegate whatever you seem worthy on others. You must keep some spare time for yourself so that you can go through the workings and dealings of others and make sure to let others know that your door is open 24*7 for any discussion.

9) He is consistent

A leader must be consistent in his views and workings. A single decision taken by you has a great impact on the whole team, hence,  go through it once in your head thinking about each and every aspect and then when you are sure only then put forward the idea.

Once you do so be consistent and assertive so that there is no room for doubt and your team can follow you consistently with the same confidence. It is the job of a team leader to guide, inspire and direct his team with self-assurance so that he can nurture their aptitude and strengths successfully.

10) Performs under pressure

The success or the failure of an entire mission rests on the shoulder of a team leader. He must be capable of futuristic vision and the ability to perform under any kind of pressure.

A team leader must always stay calm and collected especially in adverse conditions where the work pressure may get to him. Your actions must inspire confidence within your team. It is your responsibility to make each team member comfortable with other so that everyone can give their best. Never allow your work pressure to reflect in your deeds as it may affect the workings of others.

The above were all the qualities which make a team leader effective and also make the subordinates trust in him.