What Makes a Team Leader?

This is what I think a team leader should be.

1. A true team leader is one that leads by example. One such leader, by his own behaviour, shows continuously to his followers what he expects from them and also imparts the message that, if he, the leader, can do it, the follower, the team member, can also do it.

   A leader that leads by example makes it easy for the team member to know what to do and how. On the other hand, the leader creates an aura of prestige in the mind of the follower which impacts positively in his behaviour.

2. It's important that a team leader knows his team members duties and could perform them if necessary. This knowledge brings personal authority over the leader.

   The most important benefit from this is that team members, if they have a problem, can ask the leader for help and he can actually do so. On the other hand, they know that the leader, at any time, can find out the value of their work, because he understands it.

3. Another characteristic of a good team leader is to be demanding and fair.

   A team leader being demanding raises the level of achievement requested from the team members. The achievement of this new level gives the member a feeling of heightened success. But the leader, always that he is demanding must also be fair, meaning that he must ensure that team members can achieve the new levels demanded.

4. A team leader must be someone approachable.

   If a team member has a problem, it's important that he can, if necessary, speak to the leader. A leader who is approachable is valued highly by a team member with a problem and by all other members who can this way count on him.

5. A team leader must acknowledge a team member's achievements.

   A leader that knows when a team member or the entire team have achieved a particular goal should state that and celebrate, if appropriate. Acknowledgment of achievement gives the team member a great sense of personal worth and a willingness to continue with the team.