Figuring out your leadership style is something that takes time, patience, and a lot of trial and error. Would you rather delegate tasks and focus solely on the overall vision and goals of your team? Or would you rather be more hands-on? A lot of it comes down to how much responsibility you can take on before you start to go insane and burn out. Obviously, it is best to avoid a burned-out state of mind, and it doesn't need to come to that.
It's easy to get lost in your vision for your team. It can be incredibly exciting to draw up a plan that encases exactly what you're envisioning in your mind, but it is also easy to forget about the human beings you are working with. It won't matter that you created some amazing game plan for your team if there isn't a positive environment for them to work in.
While all teams are unique in their needs, there are a few key practices every leader should adopt!
1. Sell your vision
Is your team "bought in" to your vision? They need to understand the importance of what they are doing, and it's your job to sell it to them. Granted, if they are on your team, they are bought in somewhat already, but they don't always know all the details. Take time to explain to them why what they do is important and the affects it will have. There's nothing more discouraging than putting a lot of effort into something you can't see the benefit of.
2. Show your team how you will reach your goals
You can't present your vision to your team and then send them off with your best wishes. This is your vision, not theirs. You can't expect them to know how you want to achieve it, and having an unclear plan creates a ton of unnecessary anxiety that your team members will not stick around to endure. Before you present to your team, have a game plan. Tell them exactly how it's going down. This also helps with the "buy in" aspect.
3. Set standards and hold people accountable
There's nothing worse than a leader who's a pushover. If you don't want to be unhappy with the results of your team's work, set standards and hold your teammates accountable. If you ask someone to get three things done by Friday, then they should have it ready by Friday. Extenuating circumstances come up now and again, and you should be understanding and accepting of them if they are legitimate. But don't sacrifice your vision and the standards you set in order to be the cool leader that everyone likes.
4. Establish good and open communication
This is key. Communication and transparency is everything when it comes to leading a team. Your team members need to know they can come to you if they have questions or need clarification. They should also feel comfortable voicing an opinion if they think there's a better way to do something. You're only one person, and you're not the be-all and end-all; your team members may have better ideas and suggestions that you need to encourage, appreciate and consider. This is especially important if there's a hiccup in the game plan (because there always is one). Don't hide set backs from your team. Be honest and upfront, and you can all figure it out together.
5. Encourage individuality
Teams are often thought of as one unit, which is true. But it's also true that teams are made up of individuals who bring unique perspectives and abilities to the table. Take advantage of these! Know each member of your team well enough to know exactly where they would thrive. They will be more invested in their responsibilities and produce better work if they feel confident in their abilities.
Leading a team is no easy task, but it is extremely rewarding. Whether it's a permanent position or temporary, you learn a lot about yourself. Some of you may even discover a part of yourself you didn't know you had in you.
