Leading a Team

Jacqui Chart is an advocate for positive leadership. As our associate Director of Operations, Jacqui leads a team that is central to the success of Tile Hill as a business. Every day, her team play a central role in providing people with the best experience possible when engaging with Tile Hill and in our latest blog, she shares her thoughts and beliefs on how to lead a team.

For Jacqui, leadership is not just about giving orders and expecting others to follow. It is an art that requires nurturing, encouragement, and continuous personal reflection. Effective leadership requires understanding how to use the right tools to create an environment that fosters development, team work and supports people to flourish in their role as an individual. In this blog, we will explore the key elements of successful leadership and how it creates motivated and empowered teams.

Nurture Individual Growth

Nurturing growth within your team is key for their development and overall success, and should be connected to the direction of the business. One way to do this is by encouraging your team members and creating a positive and safe environment where they feel inspired and supported. Investing in their personal development and providing opportunities for training to learn new skills and build on existing skills will not only enhance their individual talents but also contribute to the team's collective growth. Holding meetings that promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and goal setting, will facilitate an open feedback culture that sees everyone benefiting and developing.

Continually celebrating feedback is something we are very passionate about here at Tile Hill. It is core to our culture and sits at the heart of our working methods, continuously driving improvement, raising standards and improving communication across the business. 

Recognising and Challenging

A good leader understands the importance of recognising and praising their team members for  their achievements. Regularly acknowledging their efforts and providing constructive feedback  helps individuals grow and feel valued. Lastly, challenge your team! By setting ambitious goals  and providing opportunities for them to stretch their abilities, you will push them to their fullest 

potential and stimulate ongoing growth, both personally and professionally. 

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Great leaders possess strong emotional intelligence. They tailor their leadership style to the  needs and preferences of their team members. By putting myself in someone else's shoes, I  can better understand their perspectives and motivations. Leaders who prioritise working with  their team rather than simply commanding them, create a collaborative and supportive  environment that inspires trust and engagement.

Lead by Example

One of the most impactful ways to lead is by setting a positive example. Effective leaders model the behaviours they wish to see in their teams and embody the value set of the organisation. By consistently aligning their behaviour with their words, leaders gain respect and inspire trust  within their teams. To lead by example, your team must see you doing the things you ask of  them too, as well as being accountable, and unafraid to share your knowledge in order to help  those around you. I have found that one of the strongest traits you can have as a leader is simply being present and not just listening but hearing the needs of your team.

Communication and Feedback

Clear and open communication is vital for effective leadership. Leaders should establish a structure that ensures everyone is on the same page and has a platform to express their  thoughts and ideas. Regular meetings, both individually and as a team, facilitate this process.  Additionally, fostering an open and high feedback culture, where leaders actively seek feedback and listen to their team members, promotes growth and collaboration.

Strategic Thinking and Commercial Awareness

Successful leaders have a clear and well-communicated strategy in place. This includes  individual goals linking to broader business objectives. Providing direction and purpose enables team members to align their efforts and contribute effectively. Additionally, leaders must possess commercial awareness, understanding the market and business landscape. This knowledge allows them to make informed decisions and guide their team towards success.

Set Clear Expectations

As a leader, it is crucial to set clear expectations for your team members. With a clear structure in place, and good levels of communication, you can set clear expectations and direction. In doing so, this provides people with a solid understanding of what is expected, which will aid in their productivity, empowering them to work in a way that works for them to achieve objectives. Setting clear expectations and goals from the beginning not only benefits your team, but also promotes a transparent working environment and helps everyone work towards individual and team success.

Effective leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires constant self-improvement,  adaptability, and a genuine interest in the growth and well-being of team members. By encouraging self-development, leading by example, promoting open communication,  recognising achievements, and being ambitious for people, leaders can create a motivated and  empowered team. With strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and empathy, leaders can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and inspire their teams to achieve remarkable results.