What are the qualities of a great team leader?
Many people believe that there are born leaders, those who are inherently better suited to leadership over others. While this may be true to some extent, studies have shown that key leadership skills can be learned and improved over time.
In our previous article we talked about the concept of transformation leadership, a concept where leaders empower their teams to change expectations, perceptions, and motivations. These leaders often demonstrate key skills which set the course for future success. These key skills can be practised on a regular basis to improve their effectiveness in this skillset.
These key leadership skills include:
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Active listening
Great leaders are great listeners. The way to improve your listening skills is to practise active listening. This is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying, but more importantly, the complete message being communicated.
Do not allow yourself to become distracted by whatever else may be going on around you, or by forming counterarguments while the other person is still speaking. If you're finding it particularly difficult to concentrate on what someone is saying, try repeating their words mentally as they say them. Be sure to acknowledge that you are focused on their message by nodding or with the occasional question. You can also comment or recap what has been said to communicate that you are listening and understanding their message.
Be aware that active listening can give others the impression that you agree with them even if you don't. Also remember that our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. Be careful not to mentally prepare a rebuttal. Interruptions and counterarguments are often not helpful, let the speaker finish each point or where possible, all points before interjecting.
Be candid, open, and honest when responding. Be respectful in your reply, treating the other person in a way that you think they would want to be treated.
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Motivation
Great motivators encourage everyone to work together to achieve better results. They share a clear and measurable vision with their team and encourage everyone to be part of a collective push to gain that result. Encourage the team to look beyond self-interests to the common good.
You should provide positive expectations for team members, believing that they can do their best. When they achieve results, put in extra effort, or do outstanding work, make sure to tell them that you’re grateful and be specific in your praise.
To motivate and inspire your team to achieve great results you should provide your employees with opportunities for growth and development.
Consider also that your work environment may also have a significant impact on the team’s productivity, contentment, and creativity. Be conscious of poor company culture or issues with privacy, noise, air quality, and natural light.
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Diverse thinking
Great leaders acknowledge and accept that they don’t have all the answers. They are learning as they lead the way forward. They have an ability to be open to diverse thinking and yet recognise they must be decisive. They ask a lot of questions and then listen with an open mind, welcoming different perspectives, ideas, and opinions. They create an environment free from fear of ridicule or punishment. The best leaders learn from anyone – a new hire, customer or supplier – and they are open to what they are hearing. Being open also means undertaking an objective analysis of the data before arriving at conclusions.
You should be aware of threats and opportunities, and demonstrate the ability to be flexible, agile, and be able to rapidly respond to changing environments.
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Integrity
Whether it’s giving proper credit for accomplishments, acknowledging mistakes or putting safety and quality first, great leaders always exhibit integrity. They do what’s right, even if that isn’t the best thing for the current project or even the bottom line. If trust is lost, it’s difficult to get back.
Your team are more likely to follow the lead of those they respect. The best leaders are well-spoken, approachable, and friendly. They show sincere care for others.
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