Top Team Leader Skills - Tips For Being A Great New Team Leader #leadership

Transitioning from a subject matter expert to a team leader or manager requires unique skills and is a daunting task. The top five essential skills for successful leaders are highlighted, with an additional bonus tip at the end.

Self-awareness is a fundamental quality for successful managers and team leaders. It involves monitoring one's behavior, speech, and body language to understand how they are perceived by others. Lack of self-awareness can lead to uncomfortable situations and hinder professional success.

Empathy is a crucial skill for effective leaders, going beyond just listening. It involves understanding and empathizing with the experiences of others without imposing one's own opinions or experiences. This is demonstrated through responses that show genuine concern and offer practical support, such as suggesting time off or seeking help from HR.

True leaders have a vision, mission, or overarching target that drives everything they do. Having a clear purpose and drive is essential for maintaining high energy levels and motivating the team. Great leaders also demonstrate humility by adapting their mission based on changing circumstances while ensuring adherence to guiding principles.

Good team leaders are always accountable and take none of the credit but all of the blame. They thrust their teams into the spotlight when they achieve results, taking on any negative consequences themselves.

Team leaders are valued for their ability to make objective and fast decisions based on data, evidence, and facts. Effective leaders have the confidence to back their judgment and move forward even if a decision turns out to be wrong.

As a team leader, it's essential to master various skills and learn from great leaders. However, it's equally important to put your own spin on things and experiment with new methods and psychological tricks. Managing a diverse group can be challenging but also satisfying when you help your team deliver results.