Have you ever worked in a strong, coherent team? One which could take on the challenges of the day, gel around them and just get shit done? One in which you inspire and push each other to be a better version of themselves? One in which work doesn’t seem like work at all — because it’s so much fun and you’re learning something new every single day?
I have. A couple of times. And I have been part of teams which are pretty much the opposite (in which case you saw me moving on to new opportunities quickly).
What strikes me as a leader is — these well functioned teams are always more than just the sum of its parts. You can have the most amazing people (on paper) and yet still — the magic isn’t there. Building a cohesive, well-functioning team is a lot about the intent you set and model. Intent builds culture. Culture forms teams.
A good place to start is to focus on the personal development of your team members. Make them productive, effective, efficient and happy. Understand your role as someone who’s removing road blocks and provides guidance. Not as someone who’s telling others what they have to do. And spend time to figure out what your intent is. How do you want your team to “be”? What’s the tone you want to set? How do you want people to interact with each other and you?
Leadership is something you have to earn. It is your responsibility to become a great leader.