2 Minute ReadA strong leader can communicate an exciting vision of the future. He can provide his team with something important and valuable to focus on. She can set the tone and morale of the entire team. We know that communication is the key to maintaining a healthy team environment. Both in listening and speaking, it is critical to the team’s productivity that everyone is involved and on the same page. Take a look at the six points below. We hope this serves as a reminder and a trigger to evaluate yourself.

Are you leading your team in the right direction?

1. Good leaders establish a plan. Set priorities based on your time and resources as an individual and a department. Do you know and understand your company’s mission, vision, and core values? What makes your department a unique part of the organization?
2. Always remember to build your team. It is vital to know your professional limitations and the need to fill the gap in your leadership team. Find the best people in the right position to complete the goals identified for your department.
3. Effectively manage your team. Set expectations. Lines of communication. And decision making processes. Consistently provide your team feedback in the areas in which they are successful and where they need to improve. Don’t forget to celebrate successes!
4. Make decisions. Quickly make tough calls when needed. Create clarity out of confusion. Hold yourself and your team accountable for behaviors. Ask lots of questions. Listen to get at the heart of the matter.
5. Work to create a safe environment. Employees with strong opinions often care the most about the good of the organization. And they should be encouraged to air their opinions within the team. This is important for two reasons: it ensures that all ideas are out in the open, and it creates buy-in among employees who are allowed to have their say in a matter.
6. Develop trust and relationships. It’s easy to do this within your team by not being afraid to show your vulnerability and shortcomings. Show them that you are human too!

It’s important to remember that a manager is only as good as his team. It all comes down to how well you communicate, treat, and value your people.What every manager needs to know: here and here.