So you would like to be a team leader

How can I get to be a leader?

But what is a leader anyway?

What do leaders do really?

Do I have what it takes to apply for a Leadership Position?

There are some outstanding career roles available needing Leadership Skills, and it is reasonable to ask yourself if you actually have the skills needed, or indeed what skills are needed, so you can set about gaining them. Do people simply learn these skills on the job, or did they have Mentors and Coaches, or, as the Maybelline commercial goes - "Maybe they were born with it"

I think perhaps a little of each, however let me share some observations gained over the years, all of which have been gained by observing and working with outstanding Team Leaders and Executive Leaders.

I would like to share a few important character behaviours which I think set the foundation for becoming a skilled leader.
Integrity

Probably the most important, and not to be confused with honesty. Integrity means being totally consistent not only in words but in every day actions. In difficult situations a leader must always choose the ethical course of action. Consider outstanding leaders that you know or work with. Their ethics and values are visible because they live them and demonstrate them in their actions every day.

Employees want their leaders to be successful, but they also want them to be successful with integrity.
Development of people - helping others to succeed

Personally. I judge the success of a leader by the success of the people in their team.

I look at their results and their personal development under their leader. An outstanding leader makes people feel important and appreciated. They make the time to provide both support and opportunities for their people to grow.
Being a Team Player

We all hope to be team players, however not everyone we work with is. Some people don't speak up when they should, nor do they provide you with feedback. A team player demonstrates a leadership style that practices inclusion, fosters team building, having a collaborative approach to problem solving and decision-making. A team player engages and interacts with everyone.
Courage and Confidence in themselves.

Really successful leaders involve their teams in discussions and challenge them for new ideas. There may be a better and more successful way to achieve a goal, and it takes a confident leader to consider that and take on board a new way of tackling a problem. Just as it takes courage to speak up, it takes courage to consider something from a different point of view. Look around at team meetings and consider how many people speak up, or simply listen and leave without contributing something. There is a theory that if you don't speak up in the first 5-10 minutes, even if it is to make a simple comment or agree on a point - you will not speak up at all. Have confidence, have courage and make sure you do actively participate and speak up.
Finally good leaders make things happen.

Now more than ever we need people whose leadership's style is not that of domination.

We admire leadership qualities of shared leadership, nurturance and helping others succeed while the team succeeds in their goal or project. Leaders demonstrate something more than just drive, they demonstrate a desire and ability to see the bigger picture and make things happen.

"Real Leadership is not about power or status - its all about Responsibility!"