Role of a leader in facilitating successful teams

Last time we discussed about the characteristics of successful teams and today I would like to discuss about the role of a leader in creating a collaborative and performing environment.

The main aspects that a leader needs to focus are:

1. Clear direction and clear goals

Providing a clear sense of purpose and measurable objectives is the imperative aspect that every leader needs to take in account. It is very important for the medium to long-term goals but it also unifies the group towards the common objectives.

The first step that needs to be taken is communicating the team goals and desired outcomes.

2. Clear and safe communication

Clear, safe and transparent communication is an important factor in order to enable team members to communicate effectively and establish open communicative relations between all members of the group. All the issues are handled by face-to-face communication and team members do not talk behind each other’s back. It is also important to avoid group-thinking (we will talk more about it in the next sessions).

3. Collaborative environment 

Inclusive and close collaboration is a must for high-performing teams.

There will always be barriers, especially if some members possess strong personalities. A successful leader should be able to create inclusiveness and keep everybody on the same page while minimising the petty bickering.

4. Establish rules

Any team should have a set of agreed rules that determines its operating procedures, accountability, and ultimately eliminate any potential ambiguity.

5. Define roles

Thinking styles are required for teams in addition to clear roles and objectives.

When developing a new product, the team will need a detail-oriented person who can keep the team on track.

6. Mutual responsibility

High-performing teams accept responsibility as individuals and as a team without blaming one another for mistakes and failures or personal justifications. The same applies to every success, it should be celebrated together. The role of the leader is creating a culture that enables this.

7. Team trust

Leaders should facilitate their team members to be in a position of trust with each other. This would  affect the results especially in times of distress.

8. Having fun

Continuous periods of high intensity work can lead to burnout and lack of productivity, so it is important for any team to combine work with fun and play activities.

A leader should dedicate the necessary importance to relaxing and fun activities. It helps the team members to bond and face challenges better when they present themselves.