Team Leader
Question is “believe†or not. If the word believe implicates “to hold an opinion†then I have my opinion - I do not believe. There are a lot of people one is unable to train at all by different reasons.
Then question – “can be trained to be a Team Leader†– already implies that not everybody can be a Team Leader. So, again, I do not believe that anybody can be trained to be a Team Leader at least by mentioned above reason.
If there are other reasons? I am quite sure there are say being not needed type of personality, psychologically not matching to the profile, etc.
I agree. Throughout my years of experience as a manager, and/or team leader, the secret to good team management is being able to see the diamond in the rough, recognizing who can and cannot be molded. For some, if the desire isn't there, you can spend plenty of time on them, but making them a team leader will probablty never come to fruition. The best teams are from leaders who can recognize the qualities in a person, and really expand on them. If I saw potential in someone, and they were hesitant at first, I would offer the opportunity to them, but with frequent assessments, and coaching.
no often we can be trained but to be a leader you have to create the ability in the time of the need
its not a training but a gift or talent that not anybody can do.
Brent,
Leadership is part science and part art. You can learn to manage but not to lead. Leadership skills are usually developed through experience( both good and bad) and through trial and error. Have good role models and mentors are a tremendous asset as you are developing your own style.
Ron Obstfeld
This is hard to give a definitive answer to. Can anyone be trained to MANAGE a group of people? Yes. Can anyone be trained to LEAD? I'm not so sure. Not everyone has the personality to lead well and this can make them difficult to follow. Some may choose/try to lead in a way that is too overbearing; almost a dictator in a sense. These people are hard to follow simply because no one likes to be treated like a minion and that's usually how this person "leads" (I put "leads" in quotes because I don't consider that leadership). On the flip side, is the person who has a very passive personality and never really grabs the bull by the horns. This person is hard to follow because they never really give you anything to follow and can be "wishy washy" because they may tend to want to try to please everyone on the team in every situation. It's difficult for this person to be a decision maker and really stand by their decision. I think being a good, well-rounded leader takes a very balanced, personality and a humble approach and those are things that are very difficult to "train" into a person.
TJ,
the ability to lead,motivate, and coach sound be a key part of a leader's job description and hiring criteria. Just like the technical skills required for the position these "skills" can be learned. It should not be assumed that people automatically have these skills when promoted. If you recognize the persons potential and lack of leadership skills a specific development plan ,monitorng a coaching should be part of the new leaders learning plan.
Ron Obstfeld
I would have to agree with those who repsonded that while many individuals could be trained for different positions, it won't always mean they will be able to handle the role. We see this a lot when we promote a top performing admissions rep to director of admissions. Although we train them for all the basic skills, they sometimes just don't have the ability to lead,motivate, and coach.
Do you believe that anybody can be trained to be a Team Leader? Why or why not?
Stephanie,
You are correct that adaptability is an important trait for a leader to possess. Do you believe that a person can be taught skills to make them more adaptable or do you feel that adaptability is a trait that you are born with?
I look forward to your response.
Dr. Jamie Morley
Not everyone is cut out to be a leader. Yes, leaders can be trained but I beleive it also takes a special talent and a willingness to be a good leader. Leaders need to be able to adapt and be able to handle whatever situation they are put in to.
Roy,
Excellent response. You make some very good points about the importance of being able to create harmony as a leader. Based on the book you referenced, you may also want to read, “Servant Leadership†by Robert Greenleaf. He expounds on the points you make very well!
Dr. Jamie Morley
Based on the course material, additional readings, and personal experience, I believe that not anyone can be a team leader. As sited in the text for the course some essential skills a team leader should possess are:
• Negotiation
• Mediate conflicts
• Ability to coach team members
• Good communication skills
Being able to negotiate and mediate conflicts requires an individual with the correct personality traits. People who prefer to serve others before themselves help to solve conflicts and negotiate compromise while preserving harmony. In times of conflict the accepting approach can be advantageous to both parties and contribute to team unity. However, not every individual has the personality which will be others and team harmony ahead of his/her individual needs. Dale Eilerman (2006) noted “These traits were probably ingrained during childhood and may be reinforced by family, religious or other values. Individuals who have a tendency to be accommodating prefer the harmony, good will and reciprocity that is often associated with this behavior trait and feel that it serves them well most of the timeâ€. (1)
The ability to coach team members requires a number of traits, including coaching experience, track record, personal style, culture fit, professional standards, knowledge of organization, and soft factors, such as trust and relationship fit. (Fielden, 2005)(2) Considering the factors listed, not anyone could act as a coach. Knowledge of the organization structure, coaching experience, and track record are skills which takes time to develop.
Effective communication involves the words we choose, how we say the words, and our body language. Each one of these components of communications is critical. The words we use and how we utilize them can either help or hinder the delivery of information. Many individuals do not have the ability to find the correct combination of words to properly express ourselves. In addition, body language is accounts for 55 % of what is perceived and understood by others (3). I have come to realize that my body language has resulted in misinformation at times. I have to work hard at maintaining my body language.
Based on the information listed, I would conclude that not everyone can be a team leader. One must have the correct skills, desire, and personality to be an effective team leader.
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(1) Eilerman, Dale 2006 Give and Take - The Accommodating Style in Managing Conflict. Retrieved from http://www.mediate.com/articles/eilermanD5.cfm on 12.03.12.
(2) Dr Sandra Fielden, 2005, Literature review: coaching effectiveness – a summary Retrieved from http://literacy.kent.edu/coaching/information/Research/NHS_CDWPCoachingEffectiveness.pdf on 12.03.12.
(3) Warren, Suzanne and Windle, Rod Communication Skills Retrieved from http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/section4.cfm on 12.03.12
cindy,
I agree with you that people can receive training to bring out or strengthen their leadership qualities. People can also be taught the fundamentals of management and supervision, as well as how to follow and implement policies and procedures. That training can help them be a better manager. Inspiring a people requires both. Do you agree?
Dr. Jamie Morley
cindy,
You are right Cindy; It is not an easy task. You say that you deal with it on a daily basis. What are some examples of strategies you use to engage different personalities?
Dr. Jamie Morley
I think the person needs to understand all different types of personalities and also needs to see how these different types of personalities can work together to make a team and be a good leader by working with people and getting the best from them to do the job. It usually is not an easy task and I generally deal with it on a daily basis.
Yes some are in born leaders and others may need to be trained but either way they can become on.
Marlene,
Excellent, insightful post Marlene!
As you point out, there are two schools of thought – one that says leaders are born and one that says that leaders are made. Regardless of your opinion, I agree with your assessment that a leader is only as strong as the team. It is amazing how the strictest teachers typically get the best student results. This is not because they rule the classroom by fear, but because typically they model the leadership qualities that students need to succeed in class and in the workplace. Traits like organization, preparation, determination, and pride in one’s work.
There is a great quote by Russell Ewing that sums it up. “A boss creates fear, a leader confidence. A boss fixes blame, a leader corrects mistakes. A boss knows all, a leader asks questions.†Having a coach, leader or a teacher is a much better model for most people than having a “boss.â€
Dr. Jamie Morley
cindy,
I think what you are saying is that some people are more naturally inclined to be leaders, while others need time and training to develop leadership qualities. Either way, anybody can be a leader. Am I interpreting your post correctly?
Dr. Jamie Morley
Cindy,
Positive thinking and a desire to success are important. Besides those characteristics, what skill set do you think people need in order to be a good leader?
Dr. Jamie Morley
Karen,
Interesting perspective. What specific traits or skills do you think are inherent that cannot be taught or learned?
Dr. Jamie Morley
