Team leaders juggle a substantial workload, but their job descriptions often lack clarity. Let’s explore the role, duties, and five main responsibilities that team leaders handle.
⏰ Key Points:
Team leaders represent the initial tier of management. They introduce an additional layer of oversight and are brought on board to drive influence and foster relationships, ensuring tasks are accomplished. The responsibilities of team leaders can be extensive, but by organizing them into categories, you can gain a clearer understanding of your role’s objectives.
A team leader is responsible for overseeing a group, inspiring and guiding them, and tracking their performance. This role might come about through a formal promotion or a delegation from higher management, distinguishing you as a key player in managing a project or team.
Holding the position of a team leader can enhance your career prospects in management, making your CV more attractive by showcasing your ability to handle increased responsibilities and potentially earn a higher salary.
According to Andrew Wallbridge, our Head of Leadership and Management, “Team leaders are often the first rung on the management ladder. They must step up to fill in for an absent manager, ensuring the team stays on track and meets their goals, all without having formal authority.
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What is the difference between a manager and a team leader?
A manager holds authority and accountability, focusing on strategic planning and supervision.
In contrast, team leaders are tasked with conveying the strategy and steering their team toward achieving goals.
For a deeper dive into the distinctions between leadership and management, check out our blog on the subject.
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The Importance of Team Leaders in Organizations
In many organizations, the scope of operations can be too extensive for a single manager to handle effectively. This necessity often leads to the introduction of an additional layer of control— the team leader. While this shift in responsibility reduces the direct burden on managers, the ultimate accountability remains with them.
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Role and Responsibilities of a Team Leader
Team leaders and managers have distinct roles within an organization. Unlike managers, team leaders typically lack the authority to direct, alter plans, or make decisions about hiring and firing. Instead, their role is primarily centered around motivation and inspiration. They excel in building relationships and mediating between staff and management, driving projects forward through their leadership qualities.
Daily Tasks of a Team Leader
The daily responsibilities of a team leader are diverse and numerous. They may include, but are not limited to:
- Covering for the manager during their absence
- Handling administrative tasks
- Managing emails and communications
- Monitoring project progress
- Communicating goals and targets
- Encouraging team success
- Motivating and gaining commitment from team members
- Ensuring quality control
- Resolving conflicts
- Managing resources and time
- Problem-solving
- Conducting difficult conversations
- Implementing changes from senior management
- Reporting and documenting progress
- Leading team meetings and one-on-one sessions
The role is demanding and multifaceted, yet it offers the satisfaction of making a tangible impact through effective leadership. However, it often comes with limited financial compensation and a higher level of risk.
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Core Responsibilities of a Team Leader
While team leaders handle a wide array of tasks, their responsibilities can be categorized into five key areas:
- Manage Operations and Administration
- Oversee emails, paperwork, planning, scheduling meetings, and reporting
- Ensure the accessibility and transparency of team achievements and performance data
- Implement efficient processes and time-management techniques to handle the administrative workload
- Lead and Motivate the Team
- Provide coaching and mentoring
- Communicate goals and set objectives
- Share feedback and lead team meetings
- Conduct one-on-one sessions and personal development plans
- Support social and well-being activities
- Use incentives and rewards to drive performance
- Manage Performance
- Observe and assess team performance
- Use measurement and feedback tools to evaluate both interpersonal skills and job effectiveness
- Maintain clear communication about performance expectations and objectives
- Solve Problems
- Utilize interpersonal skills to address and resolve issues
- Implement new rules and processes to improve team dynamics
- Lead mediation efforts and liaise with management and HR to address conflicts
- Care for Health, Safety, and Welfare
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Conduct risk assessments and provide necessary training
- Address issues such as bullying, substance abuse, and work/life balance
- Prevent presenteeism and manage working hours
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Additional Duties and Career Progression
Tasks that fall outside these five categories should be evaluated to determine if they are appropriately aligned with the team leader role. Such evaluations may reveal opportunities for delegation or areas for career advancement. If your responsibilities increasingly resemble those of a manager, it may be time to consider pursuing a higher management position with greater authority.