Tips on how to be a great leader and manage your team successfully

Along with the usual suspect like management skills & communication skills, there are many challenges you have to face as a leader which are not mentioned in your job profile. You’ll need to start planning on developing yourself immediately both personally as well as professionally. Research on the leadership in other organizations & see how you stack up against them.Are you that good? If not, what changes do you need to make in order to compete with the best? Proper training is essential to be a good leader. It is important to have a competent leadership development program to train and guide your management.

Here are a few tips which will help you lead & manage your team successfully:

1. Strategic planning

When a company is going through the process of reorganization, there is a bit of panic and chaos within the employee and they generally look up to the leadership for reassurance. Keeping a tough exterior and giving the impression that you’re more than capable of taking the team through troubled waters is an integral part of management. Research & Development is essential to be a great leader. Try to stay up to speed on all the current events which may affect your organization. Have clarity of thought regarding the vision of the organization. Be well informed about the goings  in your organization.

2. Employee development

As a leader it is important for you to exude confidence & charisma. However in some cases it is observed that managers are more focussed about personal growth rather than the combined progress of the team. A truly capable leader will recognize the efforts and contributions of his team and try & make great progress as a team. A great leader is always as good as his team. It is the mark of a true leader to take his entire team towards progress.You only stand to progress when your teamis performing at their best. It’s in your best interest to get to know each one of your employees – their strengths, their weaknesses, and what would help them to perform at their best. It is essential for a leader to lend an open ear to his team & keep an open mind. This will surely help your group flourish.

3. Resourcefulness 

As a leader, another skill you need to develop is resourcefulness. You need to have a great network to help you in times of emergencies. Also, one should have good presence of mind to approach the right person at the right time.

4. Managing Change

While the company is going through organizational changes, conduct an executive leadership program & train your managers to involve other team members in the decision making process. The leadership must be trained to effectively handle the employees’ natural resistance to change.

5. Inspiring Commitment

If you want your team members & subordinates to give you absolute commitment to the company, as a leader you’ll need to inspire then by describing the company’s policy of encouraging, recognizing & rewarding its employees for their commitment & hard work. As a leader, it is your job to get out the best possible quality of work from your employees.

Be the change you want to see in your team. This will help instil confidence & help you gain the trust of your team.