Saturday, April 11, 2009

What is that makes a Great/Good Team Lead?

Ever thought of the qualities a great or a good team leader should be having?
When I say a leader - I not only mean someone who is in Politics but any one who heads a group of individuals.

  1. A true leader is one who puts the greater good of the group he leads - above his own.
  2. If he is a team lead in the IT industry then this the group of professionals led by him.
  3. A true leader not only 'leads the team' but works with it to achieve the desired goal in time.Think of this - no one wants to be led by a person who does not want to 'touch' the problems his group is facing - not even with a Ten Foot pole.
  4. Shows his mettle during the time of crisis.
  5. The true test of temperament and character for any one who is leading a team comes at the time of crisis.If the lead is panic stricken during crunch time-the impact on the Team he leads are drastic.
  6. Motivates the members to the team to do that extra bit to surpass their own capabilities and expectations.
  7. Has realistic expectations from the Team he leads.
  8. He Should be transparent - yet discreet.
  9. Identifies and grooms his successor strictly on the basis of merit - He should not have his personal favourites.
  10. Allocates responsibilities within the group - not based on his personal choice but on the basis of the capabilities -expertise of the individuals within the group.
  11. Does not encourage hearsay.
  12. Talks openly to the group on the challenges that lie ahead and encourages discussions to deal with then.
  13. Helps the team members maintain a proper work-life balance.
  14. Takes the genuine concerns of the Team to the management and works in a constructive fashion for the redressal of any grievances the team or the team-member has.
  15. Meets the key deliverable dates in Time.
How many of these qualities do you find in your Lead?
Please feel free to comment on/augment the 15 points that I have listed above.