How to Lead a Dream Team: Lead by BEING … by Tamica Smith Jones

It is common to think of leadership as command, control or some form of management. As a leader I think more in terms of guidance, support and influence.  There are many different leaders and I believe we get to choose our leadership style like a golfer chooses clubs.  Consequently, there is a time and place for a combination of leadership styles depending on the matter at hand and the end goal.

Working with many people and organizations the past 20 years has helped me value the team approach, which offers diverse perspectives and challenges status quo.  As a director, it is critical to engage and empower others.  At the highest levels, it is more efficient to “major in the majors” or focus on matters that perhaps only you can attend.  Building a team you can trust allows you to be more effective and efficient with the ability to delegate more.  With that, today my leadership is more inclusive and experiences extraordinary success.

I am privileged to lead daily by inspiring young people toward their goals, assisting coaches and athletic administrators with a plan to create success for our student athletes’ academically, athletically and future alums who make a difference worldwide.  When leading in a new environment I have adjusted best by listening and learning all the while modeling the behaviors I expect of others on the team.  Good leaders are good listeners and instinctive navigating amongst a diverse constituency. People are more responsive and supportive when they observe you are in tune to their needs and demonstrate an effort to provide them with fundamental direction and support towards their goals.

Leading a team is most rewarding when day-to-day business creates great experiences and returns that prove each person played a significant part.  I believe leaders must acknowledge and reward individual and collective impact on successful outcomes.  Praise and incentive given to the people getting the work done shows value.  The best teams are visibly “all in.”  They find a way or make one.  They don’t wait for things to happen but make things happen.  They protect a positive, result driven leadership culture.  With that, team members who feel appreciated and recognize contributions matter will unconditionally commit to excellence, amidst challenge, controversy and change.  

In close, critical components of leading a team include:
• Lead by modeling the behavior you expect to see;
• Apply mission, vision and core values of the organizations;
• Exercise transparent communications which includes policies and procedures, clear instruction and expectations and support when dealing with adversity;
• Perform honest evaluation and constructive feedback frequently;
• Dialogue with team members relative to their career goals to be aware, advocate and aid as a leader in advancement opportunities;
• Demonstrate an inclusive and intentional approach for developing more leaders and a succession plan;
• And ensure everyone on the team is representing a positive leadership culture, creating an energy where others want to be a part.

Leaders understand the brightest people help others shine!

Learn more about Tamica Smith Jones by visiting www.gohighlanders.com or her website www.tjsportscomplete.com and follow on Twitter: tjsports23.