As a team lead you need to know your team. You need to understand people. You don’t need to second guess them, you don’t need to micromanage them, but know what motivates them. Know what they need to perform at their best.
What tools do they covet? What routines matter? Do they need precision? Do they value gym time? Do they aspire to learn?
Understand their 6 month and their 5 year plan and help them achieve it. Make sure they know the team 6 month and 5 year plan and where they fit into it, and where that fits in the company plan.
Value them, and ensure they feel valued. Listen. Give them the grace to accept that which they cannot change but be sure they know you’d change it if you could.
Change what you can. Make their lives easier. Help them aspire to your job, even if they may fear the conflicts you protect them from. Keep your head whilst those about you are losing theirs.
Be the best team you can be. Discover the greatness in everyone. Play to strengths to see them through weaknesses. Move people. Change their roles. Find your gardeners and your innovators and Train them to replace you, because for certain times they will need to. Do not become vain or bitter for always there will be greater or lesser persons than yourself.
Let go. Trust them. Trust yourself. Let them do their job so you can do yours.
But lead, don’t follow. Have strong opinions, weakly held when a better way presents itself.
Let data guide you but not be your master. Don’t trust your gut.
Don’t be a stranger and make a full commitment to your team.
And make sure everyone knows the standards.
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