Become  a Superior Team Leader

        At a university in Colorado, I asked a Business Professor if he could give one bit of advice to a new manager what would it be? This is his reply.

“Always do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you.”  He also commented, “Before you can manage others you must learn to manage yourself.”

        Successful management requires clarification of purpose, total commitment, and first-class teams.

        Good managers know how to deal with people – picking the right people, encouraging them, delegating to them and occasionally having a frank talk with them.

A handful of Tips to become a better team leader

* People must know what is expected of them

        They should be given clear guidance.

                What is their job?

                Who do they report to?

                What must they do – put it in writing.

Let them know what their long-term prospects are if they perform well.

* Safety is essential

         A safe working environment is essential and people must be given the right tools to do the job.

* Give responsibility

        The ability to delegate is the key to management – a good manager is a good delegator and a good facilitator.

        Delegate to where the action takes place so that quick decisions can be made if needed.

        People often work best if they are challenged – but don’t overdo the pressure.

         People get satisfaction when they are given the authority to make decisions.

          They must be trusted and given responsibility, but a good two-way communication system is also essential.

* Encourage  feedback

        Have regular and honest discussions with your people, and guide and encourage them. Keep them fully informed of developing situations and proposed planned changes.  

        Honest feedback from both staff and clients must be encouraged.

        Workshops can be a good time to get some honest feedback. 

* Praise and reward good work

        When people make an extra effort they should be praised and rewarded.

        Praise can be given publicly but constructive criticism should be given in private.

        Rewards given to encourage workers can take many forms, from a simple letter to a cash bonus.

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Look for enthusiastic, ambitious people with a sense of purpose – your reputation will depend on the people you employ.”

Source: “Secrets for New Managers” first published by Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand (www//mossassociates.co.nz) and Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Also available as a hard copy and as an e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource.

For those in need see our FREE BOOK ” NO JOB! WHAT NOW?” from mossassociates.co.nz