Ask EDN Question
Dear EDN,
What top three characteristics/skills/qualities should a leader possess to ensure the consistent productivity and efficiency of their team?
Ask EDN Answer
Dear Aspiring Leader,
Leaders can be members of the management team or individuals who have a “lead” role within the team. This question was shared across our social media platforms and we received some great feedback from individuals working in a wide range of professions, including: Human Resources, Healthcare, and Information Technology (IT). The top three responses we received are below.
Be Proactive
Try to foresee things that may go wrong and determine needs of teammates, employees or coworkers. By doing a needs assessment, a leader can determine if their team needs additional training and development, so they can better support employees.
Possess Integrity
Leaders who possess integrity earn the respect of their subordinates and peers, which in turn can keep employees motivated to work harder for the team. When a leader fails to operate with integrity, it sets the tone of what is expected of the employees. This lack of integrity can have a trickle-down effect and can cause employees to do the same or increase turnover.
Transparency and Openness
Allow employees, especially younger employees new to the field, to ask questions and learn from other individuals in leadership roles. By keeping an “open-door policy” employees are encouraged to learn different skill sets and will remain productive. Failing to allow individuals the opportunity to learn from team leads or management may make an employee feel less inclined to take on new projects. This in turn can have a negative impact on productivity.
Regardless of your role, employers are always looking for individuals who rise to the occasion and want to be an integral part of the team. These skills can be useful ones to sharpen as you move further along in your career. Best of luck to you!