subject: Leadership, Team Work and Leadership Development [print this page] Leadership, Team Work and Leadership Development
Team Work: An Essential Skill:
Leadership requires that you are also good at leading teams and creating a team that works well together. With the right focus you can accomplish this goal.
Leadership Focus
Leadership Intention
Shared Vision
Clear Communication
Accountability Agreements
Building Teams takes leadership focus: Without the commitment of the leader; team building is ineffective. People will figure out that the leader does not buy into the process or believe in it. Most staff have experienced many different processes. They believe that each new approach and process will also go away.
It takes leadership focus, intention and focused time for staff to buy into the process and trust the leader.
Leadership Intention is a necessity. The process starts with the leader's intent. That intent needs to be on building a high performing team for the good of the organization. Building a high performing team starts with the leader. Leader intention starts the process and affects the outcomes.
Shared and clearly stated visions by the leader starts the process. Leaders need to share their vision. When leaders share their vision they open the door to receive feedback and input. Staff can then buy into the vision. When staff KNOW where a company is going, what the vision of the future is they can help to create that vision. They can buy in to it. Greater things are created when the vision is known, shared and staff are empowered. When leaders are open to the input of staff new innovations emerge, new ideas, new creativity. The result is good for the company.
Clear Communication is essential and a challenge. Leaders need to be transparent in communications increases employee engagement and commitment. When Leaders are clear in their communication and know how to ask for the same and listen to staff employee commitment is higher.
Communication is an essential tool and skill, one that can be developed and refined.
Accountability agreements ensure that tasks are completed and done well. Giving people the tools and language to create an agreement can facilitate this process. When a task is assigned or requested staff are empowered to seek clarity, negotiate the task and create an agreement. Once an agreement is established communication continues throughout the implementation of the task. Agreements can be modified as needed and renegotiated. Employee engagement and performance increases as a result of this new mode of working.
Teams can perform at high levels when leaders are involved, their intent is clear and they share their vision. Communication needs to be high and staff are empowered to clarify, negotiate and reach agreement.
Leaders that are willing to put themselves out their and lead with intention and focus increase performance of their teams. Teams work more effectively together because communication is high, goals are clear and tasks are agreed upon.
