Some people think that being a leader involves telling people what to do and then accepting all the praise, but it doesn’t. Being a leader does however, involve working closely with a group of people who together, share challenges and successes, and grow as individuals and as a team.

1) Definition:

A leader is a person who guides others towards a common goal, showing the way by example, and creating an environment in which team members feel actively involved in the entire process.

2) Qualities of a Leader:

Leader should be…

• Enthusiastic
• Hard-working
• Goal-oriented
• Motivated
• Respectful
• Organized
• A good listener

3) A Leader’s Role in a Team:

• Organizes the team
• Works with the team to set clearly defined goals
• Schedules and leads meetings
• Models cooperative behaviour: encourages participation, asks for contributions, listens attentively, and considers all points of view
• Motivates the team to achieve all goals
• Is sensitive to the needs of all team members

4) Tips for Leading a Team:

1. Set achievable goals

As a team leader, it is not only important to work with all members to set goals, but also, to set ones that are achievable and realistic given the circumstances. Work to challenge your team, but not to frustrate and aggravate them.
Here are a couple of things to consider when setting achievable goals:

	Timeline: How much time do you have to complete the task? Size of the group: How many people do you have in your group? Resources available: Do you have all the supplies you need? Can you get them? Contacts: Do you know other people who might be of help? Prior Commitments: Do you, or members of your team, have other commitments that might make it difficult to spend a lot of time working together?

2. Include everyone

As a team leader, it is extremely important to make sure that all members of the team feel included and valued.
As a leader, you can…

	Make sure to ask all members of the group for their opinions.   Ask open-ended questions like “why?” and “how?” to encourage members to share.   Address all issues brought up by members.   Look for signs that a member may be feeling uncomfortable or upset: tone of voice, posture, gestures and/or facial expressions.

3. Delegate Responsibility

As a leader, encourage team members to take on some of the responsibility themselves by volunteering for team-related jobs. Make sure that members do in fact volunteer for positions, and do not feel pressured to do so by you or the group. Also, when handing out jobs, try to select members with those skills necessary to complete the task. Delegating responsibility is not only a great way to make sure that everyone feels included, but also, that you, as the leader, don’t end up doing all the work yourself!

5) Caution:
Being a leader is not an easy thing to do, but it is an essential part of any team. When given the responsibility of leadership, in any situation, it is important to see your role not as the “boss” of the group, but instead, as an organizer and motivator. As a leader, you are to make sure that all tasks are completed on time and that everyone is enthusiastic about the process.