A Leader can Make or Break a Team … Be an Effective Leader

I have been a leader since I was a little girl. I remember being a Hall Monitor in elementary school and providing conflict resolution as if I knew it at that age.  I have been a professional leader for the last eleven years, and over the years, my leadership style has changed. The way I support individuals has changed. While the work must be done, people are people, and they deserve to be treated with empathy, dignity, and respect always and still be held accountable in the process.

An effective leader understands that you cannot lead each person in the same manner, and what works with one person may not work with the next person.

An effective leader takes time to understand the team that they’re leading as a whole and a as an individual. What does that mean? Influential leaders ensure that the work is done in their current role; you help to provide professional development to help an individual get to the next level.

Influential leaders have the following skills:

·       Interpersonal Communication – You understand how your tone, words, body language, hand gestures (I have to work on this; I am always talking with my hands), and facial expressions (this is my BIG issue) impact your team. It is also knowing and understanding when the team needs some additional motivation.

·       Mindful Listening – Listening with the intent to understand and not just to respond. The bible says, be slow to speak and quick to listen.

·       Goal-Setting – Be deliberate and extremely specific when you set a goal. Make sure the goals are SMART.  Make sure there is a clear strategy that the team has helped develop to reach the goals.

1.       Specific

2.       Measurable

3.       Attainable

4.       Relevant

5.       Time Sensitive

·       Diplomacy – Support the goals of the company and your teams' needs. Be strategic and ensure that both the company and your team are taken care of.

·       Conflict Resolution – There will be conflict … how will you handle it? In conflict resolution, you have to be:

1.       Patient

2.       Communicate consistently and effectively.

3.       Act immediately.

·       Motivation – When an individual works in a high-demand, high-stress position with poor leadership, it impacts the team's culture and morale. As a leader, you must understand how to motivate your team to be successful. Celebrate your team, encourage your team, and send affirmations to your team.

·       Decisiveness – Make decisions … make big and or small decisions promptly. Do not leave your team hanging as a result of you not making decisions.

Take time to know who is on your team. What does that mean? You know their names and roles, right? Take time to understand how each team member works, and what works for them. Ask the individuals on your team to complete the following:

·       You get the best of me when…

·       You get the worst of me when…

·       You can count on me to…

·       This is what I need from you…

Once they have completed these statements, take some time to talk about it and then keep these things in mind when you all are working day today.

Lastly, here are a few tips to show your team that you CARE:

·       Concern – Show your team that you care; show respect and consideration for them as a person.

·       Appreciation – Show appreciation to the individuals on your team. Gratitude goes a long way.

·       Respect – Always show your team respect even in the process of correction.

·       Empathy – Be understanding, even when individuals are not meeting the mark.