Leading Teams

 

Are leaders becoming obsolete? What happens to leadership when all employees become self-leaders and teams fulfill the traditional function of leaders?

 

Role of Leaders in a Team Environment

Some leaders never feel fully comfortable in a team environment, whereas others adapt to it well or even embrace it. Leaders of the first type are likely to feel that they are losing their job and might focus efforts on regaining control.

 

the only certainty is that the role of the leader changes in a team environment, but it does not altogether disappear. The leaders are not in charge and are not meant to command and control. Leaders are here referred to as facilitators and coaches. Leaders are caretakers of their teams, the ones who help them achieve their goals by providing them with instructions, conflict management, encourage when needed, and resources. Here are some more roles for leaders in a team environment:

• Observe from a distance

• Help manage conflict and relationships

• Obtain training for team

• Help team define goals and tasks

• Help team clarify boundaries

• Continue to make individual contribution