Tips for New Team Leaders

by Anishametra Saravanan

Taking the reins as a team leader for the first time can be a very daunting task as you now have the immense pressure of knowing that your team is counting on you to lead the way and direct them. Leaders have a prominent role in the success of a company, and it’s their guidance and leadership that motivates employees to deliver their best performance on a daily basis. Despite how overwhelming it may feel to oversee a team of workers – especially if you’re a new team leader – the following tips can provide aid in your transition to a new role as a team leader.

1. Get to know your team well

Leadership starts with taking a vested interest in your team members and establishing a good rapport with them. It’s good to know who they are, what they enjoy most about their job, what their personal and professional goals are, and even a little bit about their background and family. Take the time to observe and learn about their strengths and weaknesses so you can give them tasks and responsibilities that are best suited for them. Furthermore, regular check-ins to connect with them, gather ideas, and provide support and feedback can help you earn their trust and respect in the long run.

2. Clear communication is half the battle

No one wants to be left in the dark so it’s vital that you communicate clearly and regularly with your team. Open communication is known to strengthen any work relationship dynamic and may foster a culture where individuals feel comfortable in sharing their ideas, thoughts, and concerns with one another. Moreover, regular communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and has a clear understanding of the project or task at hand.

3. Celebrate achievements together

Everyone loves a good pat on the back when a job is done well and on time. Recognize good performance and reward those who have shown stellar work achievements. Even a simple acknowledgement like verbal praise, a certificate, or a nice email can go a long way in showing your team you recognize their hard work and commitment to the team and company.

4. Delegate tasks accordingly

As a new team lead, you might feel the pressure to nail every task perfectly but this doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself. As a leader, be clear about your expectations and once a task has been delegated, avoid micromanaging your team. Instead, take a step back and give them the independence to complete their tasks. It’s a much more efficient way to get things done and it sends the message that you trust them to do their job well.

5. Lead by example

As the popular saying goes, “If you’re going to talk the talk, you better be able to walk the walk.” If you want a team that comes into the office on time, completes their tasks in a timely manner and has a positive attitude, it’s imperative that you demonstrate these skills yourself. You need to walk alongside your team and set an example of what you expect from them. You want to make sure your actions reflect your expectations for your team.