Qualities of a Leader

Few leaders are there who truly lead the team by examples.  The job of the good leader is to groom his team to the maximum, instill confidence and sense of urgency and responsibility of the assigned task. You as a leader need to pay attention each and every member`s weaknesses and strengths and work on them to make it better. You should carry the following qualities as a leader.

Skill Development of the team: -- As a leader, you should not only focus on the result, but pay attention on the system and improvement which can ensure you desired result. Without great team, no amount of focus on goals and targets will ever pay off. Team can only achieve what they are capable of achieving, so it’s your job to help all your team to be more capable so they—and your project—can achieve more.

It's your job to recognize the area of the improvement of the team members and to provide the training, mentoring, and opportunities your team need and deserve. When you do, you transform the relatively boring process of reviewing results and tracking performance into something a lot more meaningful for your team: Progress, improvement, and personal achievement.

Have Trust on the team: -- Do not start blasting the team or individuals for the some initial mistake, but analyze it and find the root cause for the same. It could be human error or problem with the system or might be issue with other dependent team. Trust your team and value their effort. Make lesson learned document and make aware everyone not the same mistake to be repeated.

Respect Everyone`s time:-- If you schedule meeting with someone, then be punctual on the meeting, if you want to cancel it due to some inevitable reason then do it at advance, and disseminate among the team with the reason for cancellation. Remember, everyone`s time have the value at the respective level. If you will not respect and give due values to others time and commitment, then you should also not expect the same from others. 

Work on problems readily: -- Generally, we ignore the small issue happens in the team, and do not heed much, because it is not looking big for me. It is possible it is not looking big issue in your perspective, but it could be matter more for whom, who has this issue. Remember, nothing kills team morale more quickly than problems that don't get addressed. Interpersonal squabbles, performance issues, feuds between departments etc... all negatively impact team motivation and enthusiasm. And they're distracting, because small problems never go away. Small problems always fester and grow into bigger problems. Plus, when you ignore a problem your team immediately lose respect for you, and without respect, you cannot lead.

Pay Attention on weaker side of individuals: -- Everyone is not born with the same quality and expert level. It is possible in the team that all the members do not perform equally. Pay attention of these sorts of members and recognize, and provide more training and moral boost up for self-effort and preparation to match the standard of the project requirements.

Give Credit to the team effort: -- Even though, you have put lot of effort to motivate and provide training etc. to your team to bring it to the performance level. You should never take the credit of this. This is your job and duty, and credit should goes to your team who put the effort to match the standard. If something goes wrong, it is you who should sling the responsibility and correct it.

Remember Your base point: -- Officially, you have been given the prerogative to lead the team. It does not mean that you misuse the power and authority to dictate the team. It is the added responsibility of your job you got. Do not forget your base point when you were at this position. At every possible level, guide them for better career and future perspective. Be pragmatic while taking any critical decision.