RULES OF THE GAME

What does one do to become an effective team leader? Here are a few suggestions.

• Delegate more authority and responsibility to all team members. Only in this way will they feel that they are involved and true members of the team.

• Encourage risk taking and experimentation. Within bounds, let members make mistakes without coming down hard on them. When mistakes happen, help every team member learn from them.

• Develop a shared vision. By being a good listener, you will be better able to help the team develop goals that every member wants to reach. Then make sure that the rewards are shared equally.

• Set the stage for team problem solving. You create a problem-solving atmosphere by taking the time to bring everyone close to the problem so that they can contribute to and accept the consequences of the decision.

• Invite self-expression and open discussion even if it involves conflict. This approach can eliminate feelings of resentment that often cause members to tighten up and cooperate only superficially.

• Run team meetings regularly in order to do the preceding activities as a team.