The way a team leader manages a group of people can directly impact project outcomes. They use a variety of leadership theories to encourage team collaboration, set clear communication channels, and motivate their team members. This is all part of what we call “team leadership theory,” a set of guiding principles that can be found in boardrooms and startup hubs around the world.

1. Teamwork is a mindset, not just a job function.

To be a great team leader Jason Hare, you need to be able to create an environment that’s psychologically safe for everyone on the team. This means encouraging a diversity of perspectives and experiences, which are the foundation of any innovative solution. Unless team members feel comfortable to share their thoughts, they’ll be reluctant to collaborate. And, without collaboration, teams will have a hard time meeting their goals.

2. Team leaders balance zooming in on details with keeping a big picture perspective.

As a team leader, you need to be able keep tabs on what’s happening at all times. This includes understanding each member’s workload and knowing how the team is progressing toward company goals. It also requires being able to zoom out and see how each member’s tasks contribute to overall success. This is often called a ”balanced leadership” approach and it’s essential for a team to be successful.

3. Great team leaders mediate differences when necessary.

Conflict is a natural part of any collaborative setting. Disagreements can derail a project or even lead to a breakdown in trust, which is why having strong mediation skills is critical for a team leader. For example, if the engineering and design teams are in conflict over how to proceed with a software release, a good team leader will be able to calmly but firmly make a decision that’s best for the company.

4. Effective leaders recognize that they can’t and shouldn’t do it all.

Effective team leaders have a wide range of skills and are always learning how to improve their management style. They attend leadership workshops and are open to feedback from their teams. They also have a deep knowledge of their industry and business, which helps them guide the team through any challenges.

5. Team leaders prioritize the team’s well-being.

A great team leader knows that a motivated workforce is more productive and brings in better results. To ensure morale stays high, a team leader will celebrate successes, address concerns, and provide support. They’ll also keep tabs on individual team members’ health and wellbeing by conducting frequent 1:1s. Lastly, great team leaders don’t just help their employees do their jobs—they push them to grow into the next phase of their career. This could be as simple as offering coaching sessions or recommending additional training.