Developing Strategies for leading an effective team

Devise a strategy for upgrading your skills. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Communicate effectively:

Speaking down to people is a talent, if your focus is winning the argument or if you react defensively to criticism, you’ll create fear of openness and hinder the organization’s growth. So try these steps to effective communication:

1. Listen actively-ask open questions. Be genuinely interested in what other’s say. 
2. Thank people for their openness and show how much you value it, even if you don’t like specifically what is being said.
3. Point to areas of agreement before jumping on areas of disagreement, this reduces defensiveness; members won't fear being “attacked.”
4. Set aside your authority to create an atmosphere of partnership to reduce fear in-group members.
5. Promote a culture of constructive dissent-though not to the point of paralysis.
6. Portray disagreement as simply a difference of opinion. 
7. Get rid of the “I’m right, you're wrong " attitude.

Encourage enthusiasm and a sense of belonging; Show:

1. Friendliness: others will be more willing to share ideas if you're interested n them as people too.
2. Understanding: everyone makes mistakes. Try to be constructive, tolerant and tactful when offering criticism.
3. Fairness: equal treatment and equal opportunity lead to an equally good effort from all group members.
4. Integrity: members will take tasks more seriously if you show that you’re more interested in-group goals than your own personal gain.

Keep everyone working toward agreed upon goals:

1. Provide encouragement and motivation, by showing your appreciation for their effort. 
2. Harmonize differences and disagreements between group members by stressing compromise and cooperation.
3. Involve everyone in discussions and decisions, even if asking for opinions and ideas means a longer discussion.