Team Leadership Responsibilities

While team leaders certainly cannot do everything (it’s why they need a team!), there are some things they must work on and not delegate to others.

First, team leaders keep their team focused on the mission. They ensure that every person has bought into the vision and understands the value each role bring to the team. They do this by both listening to concerns and by reminding the team of their objectives, keeping each member accountable to clear expectations. Team leaders also insulate the team from distractions.

Second, team leaders train and equip team members for specific tasks. This means providing a safe environment in which te
am members can fail forward. While encouraging the team to risk everything for the sake of the mission, they protect their members from evil and evil influences. Team leaders also focus on the future, creating an environment where healthy change is embraced, and leaders are always being trained.

Third, team leaders never delegate crisis management. Whether it’s dishing out either praise or discipline, team leaders stay connected with their people as chief nurturers and supporters. Brett Powell puts it this way: “As a leader, your example speaks so loudly, your staff barely hear a word you say. The basic question everyone in the organization asks and observes is this, ‘Will the leader use his or her power for personal benefit or to benefit others?’”

[Next week we will look at the components of an effective team.]