What’s involved in leading a team?
Every business needs someone to lead it – to show the way forward, to encourage and motivate employees to make a greater effort.
In business, leading and directing a team of employees is the most important and difficult task in any company.
Typical leadership responsibilities include:
- Setting out company objectives and making sure a good business plan is in place
- Making sure this business plan is achieved
- Making sure members of the team work well together
- Motivating team members
- Assigning jobs to the various team members so that everyone gets something to do
- Making sure each team member knows what they are supposed to be doing
- Representing your company when required
- Knowing when to seek outside advice – especially from Business Advisers
- Monitor targets regularly and take corrective action when necessary
- You are responsible for holding regular team meetings and running these meetings
- Making sure that the company money is managed responsibly
How to be a good team leader
It is important that you know the difference between “leading” and “bossing”! They are quite different! As a leader, you set a good example by:
- Being punctual
- Planning in advance
- Keeping cool when things get difficult
- Listening to others people’s comments
When you hold a meeting with the various other employees in your student business, remember that every member should have a say when it comes to making decisions and that majority rules. Once a decision is reached, it is your responsibility to make sure that it is implemented.
Qualities of a good leader:
- Understanding of how the business works
- The ability to bring people together to work effectively
- Ability to recognise key things that need to be done
- Being able to come up with solutions to problems
- Being able to lead your team effectively – command respect from your team and develop a team spirit
- Being able to handle people sensitively and tactfully
- Demonstrating fairness and strength – especially when there is conflict
