Anyone asked to step into the team leader role knows how challenging this can be. They recognize the role comes with opportunities, and it may be a major milestone in their career. However, they also have concerns.
A person should not hesitate to take on this new role. When doing so, they can benefit from team training from Agile. With this training, they will find leading others isn’t as difficult as they imagined, and they will be on their way to building a successful career.
Why Worry?
Someone who has never been asked to take on a leadership role may wonder why they hesitate. Sadly, according to McKinsey & Co., many of these transitions don’t go as planned and don’t initially meet expectations. Team training can help smooth the process and increase the odds of success for both the leader and the team.
The Role of Team Leader
A team leader must guide employees toward group objectives. A person might assume they are responsible for managing tasks. However, they must also inspire team members and encourage them to grow.
The team leader manages people, overseeing the group’s workflow while coordinating tasks. Communication is an essential part of management. The team leader must be able to delegate and confirm every member knows what they are supposed to do and why. The team leader monitors the work and ensures all deadlines are met. They guide the team and provide constructive feedback.
Team leaders must maintain control as they empower their employees. Skill development plays a role in this, and the manager should help each member achieve their full potential. It falls on the team leader to make strategic decisions that align with the organization’s goals. To do so, they must think critically and solve problems.
The team should grow as the project progresses. A strong team culture will make this possible, and all team members must be encouraged to collaborate. The leader must create an environment where all members feel valued and heard.
To achieve these goals, the team leader must move from executing individual tasks to guiding others toward common goals. This can be challenging, but the leader must remain calm under pressure and work toward a productive and motivated team.
New Leaders
New leaders often wonder what they should focus on first. They must manage operations and administration while ensuring the team’s work is transparent to all within the organization. They need to lead and motivate the team by understanding and supporting the goals of each member. Doing so will ensure morale remains high.
Performance management is the job of any leader, and providing clear, evidence-based feedback will ensure employees understand what is expected of them and how they can improve. If conflicts or issues arise, the leader must address and resolve them to ensure the team remains productive and harmonious. The team leader serves as a coach and advisor. Team members must feel comfortable talking with them to ensure the project’s success.
Individuals taking on leadership roles need certain skills. In addition to team training, men and women in this position should identify their strengths and weaknesses and seek feedback from others. They must be open to new ideas and step outside their comfort zone. Understanding team dynamics is essential, and team leaders must develop strong relationships with stakeholders. Those who do so succeed in their new role and enjoy the duties they have taken on.
