The Successful Team Leader

A team leader requires a unique set of leadership skills and attitudes. Unlike his or her counterpart in other corporate or business structures, a team leader manages a highly talented group of like-minded professionals who know what to do but need leadership to stay motivated and focused. Much like the trainer of a group of thoroughbred horses, a team leader's job is to motivate team members to run a winning race.

Three distinct mindsets are necessary to become a team leader:
1. Have your game perfected.
2. Have a strong desire and willingness to focus on other people and their success.
3. Use team or practice leadership skills consistent with a “let me help” attitude rather than a “follow me” attitude.

Perfecting your game since your job as team leader is motivational development of others; you need to ensure that your energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Spreading your “energy virus” to your team is the first step for professional talent development.

Tip: Answer these questions: Are you excited about what you do every day? Do you look forward to your work? Are you clear on the talents you bring that influence your success?

Focus on others’ success Many team leaders find it challenging to shift from creating their own success to recognizing success through the results of others. An individual contributor has a direct impact on revenue and profitability. A team leader achieves revenue and profitability by managing other people’s drive, energy, enthusiasm, passion, and ambition. This means you no longer have direct impact on the results.

Tip: Once you understand your team’s passion and focus, you need to understand each team member’s talent, passion, and focus. Do you have the technical people skills to do so? How do you know?

Lead by having a “let me help” attitude versus a “follow me” attitude. This requires the skills to influence others without domineering. The army sergeant approach will only alienate and de-motivate the typical professional. And, trust me; nothing is worse than a thoroughbred that refuses to perform?

Tip: Which is your natural leadership style “Let me help” leaders need to enhance their performance management skills to succeed. “Follow me” leaders need to learn coaching skills to direct their team to more effective results.