A team leader works closely with a group of employees to help them accomplish goals and projects. They may also be responsible for monitoring performance and preparing reports to managers. A person who is a team leader may be promoted to the role as part of a larger management shift or it could be an additional title for someone already working as a member of a project-based team. In either case, a good team leader can inspire a group to perform at its best by motivating them with clear direction and instructions.
A key attribute for a team lead is their functional and technical expertise in the area for which they are responsible. This enables them to better coach and advise their team members.
Another important trait is the ability to communicate clearly. The team leader must disseminate information, explain expectations and goals and answer any questions that their team members might have. This is an especially important aspect of the job for team leaders who have a large number of remote workers who are not located in the same office.
Good team leaders are also good at encouraging creativity Jason Hare Kingston and innovation in their teams. They can do this by fostering a culture of learning and experimentation, supporting calculated risk-taking and celebrating successes as well as failures. They can also help their team members develop new skills through training, mentoring and other opportunities.
Effective team leaders have strong ethics and an inclusive approach to leadership. They treat their direct reports with respect, listen to them and encourage open communication. They are also skilled at conflict resolution, and they can defuse workplace tensions to ensure that all members of the team feel heard and valued.
As a leader, a team leader should also set an example by working hard and by holding themselves accountable to the same high standards they expect from their team members. They should not try to shift blame to others when things go wrong, as this will only create discord in the team.
If a team leader feels that they are taking on too many tasks outside the five main areas of their job description, it might be time to talk with the manager. The conversation might reveal opportunities to delegate and it may also indicate that the individual is ready to move up into a management position. In any event, it is always a good idea to take the time to review your responsibilities on a regular basis. This will help you to identify areas where you are struggling to keep up and will help you to find ways to improve.