Stop Contemplating! Lead the Way!

Ask yourself, "Why don't I ever get to be the leader?"
On second thought, stop contemplating!

Daily in organizations everywhere, people exert social influence to enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task, and by doing so, they exert the quality of leadership, as defined by Wikipedia.

So why do we so often think of a prestigious job title, or a fast-talker in a fancy sports car when we think of a leader? Anyone can be a leader, just step up and gain a following, right? Or, just walk into a meeting and ask for the help of others?
No, wrong.

But, it may be possible.  According to some companies who have adopted a group leadership style, more than one person provides the group with direction. Over the past few years, in the face of the economic recession, many companies have taken this approach to leadership in hopes of increasing creativity, reducing costs, or downsizing.


But what about your boss?

Traditionally, we see our leader as our boss, to provide the direction to the group as a whole, but start thinking differently! You may be a team member in your group who has the opportunity to experience an elevated level of empowerment for a project, and could become a temporary leader.  

Group leadership teams have specific characteristics, so be sure to model these qualities to increase your chances of being the next group temporary leader.

Characteristics:

Team Leadership

• There must be an awareness of unity on the part of all its members.
• There must be interpersonal relationship. Members must have a chance to contribute, learn from and work with others.
• The member must have the ability to act together toward a common goal.

Ten characteristics of well-functioning teams

• Purpose: Members proudly share a sense of why the team exists and are invested in accomplishing its mission and goals.
• Priorities: Members know what needs to be done next, by whom, and by when to achieve team goals.
• Roles: Members know their roles in getting tasks done and when to allow a more skillful member to do a certain task.
• Decisions: Authority and decision-making lines are clearly understood.
• Conflict: Conflict is dealt with openly and is considered important to decision-making and personal growth.
• Personal traits: Members feel their unique personalities are appreciated and well utilized.
• Norms: Group norms for working together are set and seen as standards for every one in the groups.
• Effectiveness: Members find team meetings efficient and productive and look forward to this time together.
• Success: Members know clearly when the team has met with success and share in this equally and proudly.
• Training: Opportunities for feedback and updating skills are provided and taken advantage of by team members.

So, now you know. You don't have to Bill Gates to gain a following!

Get out there and lead!










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