Leadership is not a solitary endeavour; it thrives on the dynamic interplay between leaders and their teams. Just like a well-planned journey, the success of any team hinges on the seamless coordination between these two entities. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the comparison table that sheds light on the reciprocal relationship between leadership skills and the needs of team members.
Leaders should offer their teams | What team members need |
---|---|
Have a clear vision | Understand the leader's and team vision |
Communication skills | Transparent and clear communication |
Emotional intelligence | Team emotional intelligence |
Conflict resolution | Willingness to work and support each other |
Delegation | Have clear understanding of roles and expectations |
Performance management | Recognition and feedback |
Problem-solving | Implementation space |
Strategic thinking | Clear understanding direction team needs to go/responsibility |
Time management | Guard own boundaries |
Adaptability and flexibility | Adaptability but daring to challenge/question changes |
Motivation skills | Empower and motivate the team |
Performance management | Recognition and feedback |
Ethics | Understanding rules, ethical guidance |
Understanding DEI issues | Open to team's diversity of thought |
Trust and psychological safety | Trust in the leader and team and reliability |
Crisis management | Open to be flexible and innovative |
Growth and development opportunities | Willingness to grow and learn |
Clear Vision: A leader’s vision is akin to a compass guiding a ship through stormy seas. It serves to show the direction, providing the team with a clear sense of purpose and destination. In turn, team members must grasp and align with this vision, understanding their role in the grander scheme of things.
Communication Skills: Transparent and clear communication serves as an essential element of any successful team. Leaders must be adept at conveying their vision and expectations, while team members reciprocate by actively engaging in open dialogue. This mutual exchange fosters an environment where ideas flow freely, and concerns are addressed constructively.
Emotional Intelligence: In the tempest of teamwork, emotional intelligence acts as a guiding compass. Leaders who understand and navigate the emotional landscape of their team foster an atmosphere of trust and understanding. This emotional acumen is mirrored by team members who contribute to the collective emotional intelligence of the group.
Conflict Resolution: Team dynamics aren’t always smooth sailing; conflicts may arise like storm clouds on the horizon. A leader’s prowess in conflict resolution is akin to skilfully manoeuvring through turbulent waters. This skill is reciprocated by team members who show a willingness to collaborate and support each other, ensuring that disagreements don’t escalate into damaging disputes.
Delegation: Much like a ship’s crew, each member of a team has a specific role to play. Leaders must delegate tasks judiciously, ensuring that each team member’s strengths are utilized effectively. In return, team members need to have a clear understanding of their roles and expectations, ensuring that the ship sails smoothly towards its destination.
Performance Management: Recognition and feedback are the winds that fill the sails of team motivation. A leader’s ability to provide constructive feedback and acknowledge achievements is crucial for steering the team towards success. Team members reciprocate by striving for excellence, knowing that their efforts are valued and recognized.
Strategic Thinking: A leader’s strategic thinking is akin to charting a course through uncharted waters. They must have a clear understanding of the direction the team needs to go, shouldering the responsibility of making informed decisions. This is mirrored by team members who trust in the leader’s strategic acumen, following their lead with confidence.
Time Management: In the storm of deadlines and priorities, leaders must be adept at steering the ship of productivity. Guarding one’s boundaries and managing time effectively ensures that the team stays on course. Team members, too, must recognize the importance of time management, ensuring that they contribute their efforts in a timely and efficient manner.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Just as a ship must adjust its sails to changing winds, leaders must be adaptable in the face of shifting circumstances. However, this adaptability doesn’t imply blind compliance; leaders should encourage team members to be daring in challenging and questioning changes, ensuring that the best course of action is charted.
Conclusion: The interplay between leaders and teams is a delicate dance, where each partner’s strengths complement the other’s needs. By recognizing and understanding this symbiotic relationship, leaders can steer their teams through even the roughest of waters, ultimately arriving at the shores of success. This is what Safety, Trust and Presence play an important role. We cannot reach team effectiveness without feeling safe, trust your team mates and be intentionally engaged (Presence)