5 Harsh Realities of Team Leadership
We all recognise and know what a big difference a leader can make to a team. At the same time team leadership can be tough. So what are 5 realities you need to face up to when it comes to team leadership?
Reality 1: Your success depends on having the right team
While easy to say in practice it is much more difficult to achieve. You often inherit people or find it difficult to move on those who are not a good fit. You also need to be adept at identifying the types of people and the qualities you need to create great results.
Reality 2: Conflict is part and parcel of a team
While you hope to achieve camaraderie and get everyone working together the truth is conflict will always be part and parcel of a team. As the leader the challenge is to use conflict productively rather than allowing it to be destructive.
Reality 3: You need to get all views aired
The value of a team is the diversity of opinions, ideas, perspectives and ways of looking at things. Some will readily offer their thoughts and views while others need to be encouraged to speak up. As the leader you need to make sure that an equal opportunity to speak is given to everyone.
Reality 4: Your status does not guarantee success
There may have been a time in the past where leaders achieved success based on position power. These days such a style of leadership rarely works. People need to respect you and feel that you respect them if they are going to support you.
Reality 5: You set the tone for the team and the results it achieves
As the leader the tone you set or even your attitude goes a long way towards the results that a team achieves. If you have a general attitude of finding a way to achieve something you are much more likely to deliver more than someone who focuses on the obstacles.
Bottom Line – Leading a team is tough. So what do you need to focus on to achieve more success as a leader?
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.