WeeklySA_AdminTEAM LEADERSHIP: Achieving success in all organisations requires a combination of strong communication skills, EI and the ability to motivate and inspire team members
By Isaac Moledi
How do you unlock success in your team leadership skills to enhance the advancement of your organisation? It is no doubt that effective team leadership is crucial for achieving success in all organisations. It requires a combination of strong communication skills, emotional intelligence and the ability to motivate and inspire team members.
However, gauging your effectiveness as a team leader can be challenging, according to Jacqueline van Rooijen, Business Strategist and Leadership Coach.
To help evaluate one’s leadership skills, Van Rooijen has compiled a list of eight key indicators. “By monitoring these indicators, you can identify areas where improvement is required and take corrective action to lead your team(s) more effectively.”
- Clear communication: Effective leaders communicate clearly and consistently. If team members are frequently confused about expectations or tasks, it indicates a breakdown in communication. To address this, Van Rooijen urges for the establishment of open lines of communication, provide regular updates and encouraging team members to ask questions and share concerns.
- Goal alignment: An essential indicator of effective leadership is ensuring that team members are aligned with the overall goals of the organisation. Regularly assess whether your team understands and supports its mission, vision and objectives. If there is a lack of alignment, take the time to explain the purpose behind each team member’s work and how it contributes to the bigger picture.
- Employee engagement: Engaged employees are more productive and committed to their work. Monitor indicators such as enthusiasm, motivation and job satisfaction within your team. If you notice a decline in engagement levels, try to identify the underlying causes such as workload or lack of recognition, and take steps to address them.
- Trust and respect: Trust and respect are the foundation of effective team leadership. Evaluate the level of trust within your team by observing the dynamics and the way team members interact.
Encourage open and honest communication, lead by example and foster a culture of mutual respect. Address any conflicts promptly and ensure fair treatment of all team members.
- Team collaboration: Effective leaders promote collaboration and teamwork. Determine whether your team members are working together, sharing knowledge and leveraging each other’s strengths. Encourage cross-functional collaboration, facilitate regular team meetings and establish a supportive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.
- Skill development: A good leader invests in the growth and development of their team members.
As a team leader, monitor whether your team members have access to training and development opportunities. Regularly assess their skill sets and identify areas where additional support or resources are needed. Provide constructive feedback and encourage continuous learning.
- Performance evaluation: Regular performance evaluations help track progress and identify areas for improvement. Implement a system for your team if an official one does not exist in your organization. Set clear expectations, establish performance metrics and provide timely feedback to your team members. Recognise their achievements and offer guidance for areas that require development.
- Decision-making and problem-solving: Analyse your team’s ability to make informed decisions and solve problems effectively. Do they make decisions collaboratively, based on data and analysis, and are problems addressed promptly?
Critical thinking needs to be encouraged, guidance provided when needed and team members must be empowered to takeownership of their decisions.
Rooijen provides the following strategies to beemployed to course correct, if you find you are not on track with some of the above indicators:
- Improve communication channels and ensure clarity in expectations.
- Invest in team-building activities and encourage open dialogue.
- Offer opportunities for professional development and training.
- Address conflicts promptly and foster a culture of trust and respect.
- Re-evaluate workload distribution and seek ways to alleviate stress.
- Encourage work-life balance and implement flexible working arrangements.
- Foster a culture of learning from failures and embracing change.
Effectively leading teams require constant evaluation and adjustment. “By monitoring these eight key indicators, you can assess your leadership effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Remember, effective leadership is a continuous journey of growth and learning and with dedication and effort, you can enhance your leadership skills and achieve remarkable results.”
