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There are many skills required by a team leader; and they can be sorted into six sets.
The six skill sets for team leaders are as follows.
1. Goal focus.
2. Clear communication.
3. Proper planning.
4. Proper conflict management skills.
5. The ability to inspire yourself.
6. The ability to inspire others.
Let us look at each in turn.
1. Goal focus.
The purpose of the team is to achieve its goal. Therefore, goal focus is a leadership skill. Without a clear goal the team will begin to fragment. Only with a clear and compelling goal, will people with various backgrounds, talents and tastes work well together. Goal focus is the most important thing. Therefore, setting and communicating a clear goal is the first important skill of the team leader.
2. Clear communication.
Leaders need the ability to communicate in a clear, confident and persuasive manner. They need to communicate in a way that will minimise confusion and maximise understanding.
All great leaders are also great communicators. That is no accident; it is cause and effect.
All leaders need to master communication skills.
Clear, confident and persuasive communication is the second leadership skill.
3. Proper planning.
A goal without a plan is useless. A goal tied to a detailed, practical plan is a powerful tool for progressive change. The ability to plan ahead and organise people, technology and tasks in such a way that will achieve the goal in the shortest possible time, is the third team leadership skill.
4. Proper conflict management skills.
Conflict is inevitable; and some conflict can even be beneficial; but only if it is handled properly. Mishandled conflicts can be costly. Conflicts need to be nipped in the bud, and settled quickly; according to the proper principles.
Proper conflict management is the fourth team leadership skill.
5. The ability to Inspire yourself.
Leaders are under pressure from all sides; pressure from customers, pressure from colleagues, pressure from suppliers and pressure from bosses. So leaders need to stay strong. They need to develop self-confidence, self-motivation, self-control. If they cannot control themselves, they won’t control anything else. If they can master their own emotions, they can master situations.
6. The ability to inspire a positive mental attitude in others, especially during tough times.
When the leaders have developed clear goals; good communication skills; good planning skills; good conflict skills, and good self-confidence, they are in a strong position to inspire a positive mental attitude in others. They will create and sustain a positive mental attitude, which will result in the team giving their best performance ever.
Summary: the six most important team leadership skills are:
1. Goal focus.
2. Clear communication.
3. Proper planning.
4. Proper conflict management skills.
5. The ability to inspire yourself.
6. The ability to inspire others.
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Author: Chris Farmer, MD
Corporate Coach Group
