by Sammy Stein

Created on: June 18, 2008

An efficient leader is a rarity and a joy to work with. They create a strong team where individual strengths are combined to create a dynamic and strong team. However, there is far more to being an efficient leader than simply 'being the boss'.

First know your team. Talk to them and understand their strengths, weaknesses and where they want to go. It might be that you are pushing one individual too hard when all they want is to do the 9-5 as best they can and go home. It might be another person feels they are not being used well and are getting bored and frustrated. Another might feel they would be better doing another job or role. By finding out about your staff, you may come across pleasant surprises too. One person may really want to do more filing or accounts work. Another may feel they could be used more in customer relations. Find out and try to accomodate, while remaining fair and in charge.

Make your team feel valued. Everyone's role is important and you should remember to praise where praise is due but also to guide and offer constructive criticism where someone has failed. Do not simply tell them off but suggest ways they might improve or a course they could try.

Never promise what you cannot deliver. If someone asks for a change of role, make sure you thoroughly investigate the effect on others (it may be someone else's territory or remit) before deciding if it is viable. Use trial periods effectively rather than introducing sudden changes and see how things work form all team member's view points.

Set an example. If you expect staff to work hard, work hard yourself. Nothing demoralises as much as a lazy boss. Come to work on time if you expect your staff to and stay until the time you set for going home. Do not abuse your position but make it clear that your role, just like theirs is one of importance.

Do not get involved in disputes or if you do, get both sides before you go in guns blazing. A boss who is seen to take sides will lost staff support from all sides.
Take into account home situations of team members but do not allow them to use excuses or play the hard done by card- if you get seen as a soft touch to often, you will lose respect.

Treat people with respect and courtesy and expect the same from them. Expect people to succeed. It is very negative to expect the least from people. Expect the best from your team and help them where they do not achieve.

An efficient leader will create an efficient team where each member is enjoying their role, is valued and listened to.Respect for everyone from senior manager to office cleaner is important as each role plays a part in ensuring the smooth running of a team, wherever this is and in whatever business.

if someone has a real problem with an area, give them pointers or show them yourself - always make sure you can do tasks you would expect others to do well. As an example of an inefficient leader, when I was new to teaching I had a leader who offered no support when I had very difficult youths in my lessons. He promised again and again to help but never did. Eventually, I changed departments- and learned a lot from my new leader who was efficient and extremely capable. He went into the class and showed me how to deal with the rowdy members and I learned quickly. He did not make me feel inadequate but rather made me realise I had strengths I could adapt to the sitaution. This made me feel capable and able to cope- and helped all of us too!

So, the key is to know your team, listen and set a good example. Then you will be an efficient leader.

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