Team Leadership: How To Achieve Success

When successful Managers are interviewed about their greatest professional achievements, they often place the establishment of a successful team at the top of the list. An organised team, one in which each is aware of the company’s goal, their specific roles and the procedures to be followed, is a critical aspect of success. Tightly knit teams respond to crises well, they react to situations in a unified and consistent manner and they always have the long-term aims of the company in mind. Teams can comprise employees, or employees and outsiders. They can be located within the same department or work across departments, located within the same office or online; teams can be permanent or ad-hoc; large or small. Regardless of their nature, their success depends on a number of specific factors:

• Efficiency: Each team member needs to possess the level of expertise required by their role, so that managers can rely on their knowledge and experience.

• Shared goals: Team members should know the ultimate aim they are working together to achieve.

• Correct size: Successful teams should not be subject to inordinate pressure to achieve their goals in a set amount of time. Managers should ensure that there are enough members of the team to complete required processes within a reasonable amount of time.

• Communication: Team members should feel free to communicate with others to request information, keep updated on new developments in projects and request changes in faulty procedures. A non-defensive atmosphere should be fostered, in which ideas and feedback are received and considered with the company goal in mind.

• Motivation: Leaders should not only lend their enthusiasm to team members; they should also give due importance to internal motivation – i.e. keeping the team enthused about their work by allowing them to shine in their areas of interest, listening to their feedback and showing appreciation, rather than simply providing external rewards (such as promotions or salary increases). All Managers should receive team leadership training, to learn how to work closely with all team members, empowering and supporting them so they can make their own decisions and feel free to take risks with confidence.

• Coaching and Training: Teams need to receive the coaching and training they need to stay motivated and feel that they are on the cutting edge of their respective fields, but leadership training for those managing others should be given equal importance.

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