Whether it is the
workplace or sports field or political space or any other area, it is a natural
human aspiration to get the leadership position. We do think, plan and act to
move in that direction. Whatever happens around us, we find something lacking or
wrong in it and start thinking if I were at the leadership position in this or
that organisation, I would have done this; I would have improved this or that
to make the situation better or perfect. To say, most of us want to go up the
ladder and be the team leader. But every higher position has some added
responsibilities to fulfil. So, it is not that easy to justify the position
without making yourself really deserving and performing. Yes, you have to equip
yourself with certain qualities and skills to prove yourself. Let us discuss
these traits.
Know your job
profile: Wherever you work, you must equip yourself with all the
necessary information and complete domain knowledge of that work. If you’re in
the sales department of a four-wheeler company, then you must know about the
company’s sales policy; the annual, quarterly, monthly and weekly targets, the
logistic support available to achieve the periodical sales targets. Based on
these factors, you have to prepare a clear action plan or road map for not only
achieving the set target but also to surpass it consistently. Yes, it is also
necessary to be aware of your expectation from your seniors and also the
expectation of your juniors from you. It is always very fruitful to base your
sales strategy on thoughtful planning, effective delegation and sound
supervision. Naturally, it makes the whole operation of your team very
rewarding.
KYC – Know Your
Colleagues: Whatever be the composition of your team – large, medium or small
and whether your team members are located in one centre or in different
centres, it is better to know their name, designation, job profile and place of
posting. If the team is small, then you should keep the full details of each
member – the information of family background, educational qualification,
hobby, professional skills etc., These personal details help you to Know Your
Colleagues well and find the common points for better professional and
emotional connection and bonding. Not only this, you can very well make out who
is more proficient in which area; who can work extra time, if need be; who can
be your trouble shooter and such other traits of your colleagues. To say, all
effective leaders try to know the strong and weak points of their team members
which help them to allocate the tasks judiciously and lead the team effectively
for achieving the set goal easily.
Ready to guide and
support: A leader is bound to stand by his/her team in every situation,
particularly whenever a new or a big project is to be launched. The idea is to
motivate all team members and also to guide them suitably to start the task
with a positive mindset and full enthusiasm. The leader compliments the good
work of every colleague in public, but does counselling in private for any
mistake or wrongdoing. Actually, the motto of the leader is always to improve
the quality and to groom his/her team members for taking higher responsibility
in the coming days. Obviously, the true team leader thinks out-of-box, learns
new things, communicates effectively and acts as a friend, philosopher and
guide.
Leading from the front: When a task is very important, yet very difficult and risky, the leader comes forward immediately to lead from the front. This action of the leader fills the whole team with lots of energy, courage and enthusiasm. The morale of the team touches a new high and the second line leaders get very good messages and inspiration. Actually, such team leaders are not fearful of any failure as they believe firmly in executing the set task in a planned, sincere and collective manner. They talk sense and lead their teams very well. What they say or preach, they try to do that 100% plus. They’re very open to discussion, deliberation and suggestions. They take the decisions keeping in view every aspect and in the best interest of the team and the company. But, once they take a decision, they stand by it and never back out or try to find alibis. They never find faults, but do their best to solve the problems; share the credits of success and thus set an example for team mates to emulate. John Quicy Adams puts it beautifully: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion. (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)
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