A team refers to a group of individuals who come together to achieve a common goal. Everyone in a team is usually assigned a task which may be little or seemingly insignificant but is needed if the goal or objective is to be reached. Organizations, firms, companies and industries function better when individuals see themselves as members of a team and work accordingly. Job titles and descriptions may differ, but the end goal is always the same and as such people need to see their colleagues not simply as co-workers but as members of the same team. What this simply means is that no one would try to sabotage the efforts of another deliberately for any reason. Every member of staff would aim to be a great team player and put in the very best every working minute.

A great team leader

A team leader is put in charge of his other co-workers and is expected to monitor, supervise, control and head those who have been put under him.

A team leader is accountable for all that goes on in the team. He's responsible for overseeing all tasks assigned to that team and would be held responsible for the team's failure to discharge their duties efficiently. Being a team leader is great, however, you should be made aware of the pros and cons of being a team leader.

( https://bscholarly.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-being-a-leader/ ).

In most organizations, teams are usually referred to as departments and the head of such teams are referred to as 'Heads of Departments' (HODs). These HODs or team leads are the bosses of their departments. Those in their departments report to them and them in turn report to a director, general manager or the Chief executive officer directly.

Characteristics of a great team leader.

• Great team leaders are not perfect humans, they are simply people who are goal-oriented, humble, knowledgeable and are willing to unlearn and relearn, quick to make corrections, and flexible yet firm.

• A great team leader puts the interests of the team above all else.

• He is not easily frustrated but knows when to give up a lost cause.

• A great team leader is also capable of motivating members of his team through rough patches.

• He communicates, delegates and appreciates the efforts of his team.

• Great team leaders do not belittle or demean those on their team.

• He also cares about the welfare of his teammates as he knows that it is key to their input and overall performance.

• Above all else, a great team leader sees himself as a member of the team.

The need for a team leader

As your organisation expands it becomes increasingly difficult to keep tabs on everything and everyone single-handedly. This is where teams come into play. Departments would have to be created or mapped out with members of each department forming a team. This way it is easier to keep track of events and activities within your firm or organisation. Every team needs a leader. For one thing, having a leader gives you someone to hold accountable and responsible. It also eases the burden on you in that all or majority of correspondence from the staff will have to go through the team leader who would then filter or sort through them and only hand over to you as the boss, what he as a team leader is unable to handle or deal with. A team leader saves you stress and time, reduces chaos and increases productivity.

How to be a great team leader.

• Be firm do not allow boundaries to be tested or pushed back unnecessarily

• Be friendly with your team, but only seek approval or validation from your boss

• Be modest/humble - admit your limitations.

• Be proactive, not reactive. Being proactive would help your team stand out from the other teams in your workplace. Despite the odds, you can always be proactive. (https://www.thriveyard.com/25-tips-on-how-to-be-proactive-at-work).

• Be a motivator. Your team members would need you to motivate them constantly

• Lead by example

• Constantly improve yourself (knowledge and skills)

• Make your teammates feel needed and appreciated

• Leave the doors of communication open between you and your teammates

• Assign tasks based on individuals' experience, and qualifications.

Great team leaders should also be great managers. Here are tips on how to be a great manager. (How to be a great manager). Leadership skills can be cultivated, you can learn to improve your leadership skills and qualities. (12 leadership skills and qualities).

Great team leaders owe most of their greatness to those they lead(followers). The majority of us fall into the followership category, we too have roles to play as followers.

( https://blog.tandymgroup.com/industry-insight/5-ways-to-be-an-effective-follower-in-the-workplace/ ).

As a team leader or business owner, you can improve communication between yourself and your team members/customers or clients by taking advantage of SmartSMSSolutions bulk message service. It is fast, affordable and efficient. Register a bulk SMS account for free with SmartSMSSolutions.