what is a team leader?

In an organization, functions are divided into various departments, and the company hires leaders to supervise workers in each group. A team leader directs a group of people to achieve a particular goal. For instance, marketing executives could have a team leader who ensures the execution of the marketing strategy. However, unlike a manager who directs and enforces organizational plans, a team leader takes a motivational role and builds relationships with employees.

what does a team leader do?

As a team leader, it's important to build healthy relationships with your team members and understand their strengths and weaknesses. You should also know what inspires them and what their interests are when assigning tasks to achieve the best results. Consider their passion, expertise and skills before selecting who handles what duties.

Part of your job as a team leader is to supervise and direct the work of team members. Your role entails setting deadlines, monitoring progress and ensuring that the team stays on track to achieve its objectives. This requires excellent communication skills and the ability to delegate tasks efficiently.

Apart from overseeing day-to-day tasks, you also play a crucial role in managing conflicts within the team. This involves finding effective solutions to resolve any issues that may arise among team members. Maintaining a positive and productive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected is essential.

Lastly, as a team leader, your job involves communicating regularly with upper management and providing updates on the progress of projects. Always aim to provide constructive feedback on the team's performance and make suggestions for improvement.

Job opportunities for team leaders are available in various industries that require employees to work in groups to complete projects. For instance, the manufacturing industry requires team leaders to control quality during the assembling or packaging of products. Healthcare institutions need team leaders to manage community programs and oversee medical personnel.

Would working as a team leader suit your leadership and interpersonal skills? Then, read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a team leader role.

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average team leader salary

Team leader career is a very broad term that encompasses different industries and job titles. The average salary of a team leader varies depending on the industry, location, company size and experience level. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics generally categorizes a career like this as a "management occupation" with an average salary of about $107,360 per year. Again, this is not what everyone gets: it could be much lower or higher depending on the industry and region of the country.

factors affecting team leader salary

Salaries for team leaders vary based on skills, experience and performance. The employer evaluates your skills and experience level at the entry-level and uses them to determine your pay structure. During your tenure, the company measures your performance based on expectations and the achievement of targets and goals. The appraisal forms the basis of salary increments and bonuses.

Your position in the company hierarchy also influences your pay. If you work alongside managers, you are likely to earn more due to the high expectations. Your roles can also impact your pay structure. For instance, team leaders who manage large teams have better compensation packages since they supervise, train and direct the teams.

Additionally, the industry you work in has a significant impact on your salary as a team leader. The manufacturing and healthcare industries, for example, tend to have higher salaries for team leaders compared to retail or hospitality.

Wondering what you can earn as a team leader? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a team leader is.

Group of people having a meeting, in a room with glass windows
Group of people having a meeting, in a room with glass windows
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types of team leaders

Types of team leaders depend on the industry and roles in a company. Some include:

  • marketing team leaders: As a marketing team leader, you coordinate the activities of your sales and marketing teams to achieve targets. That means you develop a marketing strategy for your team and coach them on the best marketing practices.
  • manufacturing team leaders: Assembling parts of a product or packaging them after production requires a group of workers. As a team leader, you monitor the work progress to ensure quality standards are adhered to, and employees finish the work on time. You also train employees on pre-delivery inspections.
  • community team leaders: Rehabilitation facilities and hospitals host community programs to provide various services. A team leader oversees the programs by managing the staff and liaising with the public.
  • tech team leaders: As a tech team leader, you supervise the development and maintenance of software systems. You also have to make project plans and lead your team in implementing them while ensuring productivity targets are met.
  • leisure and tourism team leaders: Leisure and tourism centers have team leaders who oversee the operations of different departments. For instance, at a hotel, you could be in charge of activities such as housekeeping, food and beverage along with front desk.
  • education team leaders: Educational institutions have department heads who act as team leaders to manage their respective departments' staff and students. They also work with school administrators to plan and implement policies.
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working as a team leader

Curious about what a team leader does daily? Read on to find out the duties, responsibilities and work routine of team leaders.

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team leader education and skills

While your skills and previous work experience in a leadership role are more important, educational qualifications are a bonus. At the entry-level, you need qualifications in the industry sector you intend to work for if you want to build your expertise. For instance, if you work in a rehabilitation center, a certificate or diploma in social work helps you conduct community programs. If you work in retail, a background in sales or a diploma or degree from a business school makes you competitive when seeking promotions.

If you want more of an authoritative management role, consider taking a course in business management or leadership. Such courses equip you with planning and strategy development skills that are crucial for team leaders.

skills and competencies

Successful team leaders have great leadership skills but also need the following skills and competencies:

  • technical expertise: As a team leader, it's important to be an expert in the field you work in and have technical experience. Your ability to coach and supervise the performance of tasks relies on your experience and knowledge in relevant areas.
  • emotional intelligence: As a team leader, you require healthy working relationships with your colleagues to excel. Emotional intelligence helps you understand your team's emotions and respond to them positively, which boosts their productivity.
  • ability to provide objective feedback: A team leader measures each team member's performance and provides constructive feedback. Even when the feedback is negative, it's crucial for the overall success of your goal to give your opinion and recommend ways to improve performance.
  • communication skills: As a team leader, you are in constant communication with team members, the management and other stakeholders. Communication skills help you provide clear instructions to employees and communicate their grievances to the manager. Written communication skills are also important for conducting performance appraisals and writing reports.
  • decision-making skills: Team leaders make decisions during the project execution phase to guide team members. That means you need access to relevant information on the project and decision-making skills to make the best choices for the project.
  • adaptability: As a team leader, you should be able to adjust your approach to changing circumstances and work effectively with diverse team members. Being adaptable allows you to handle different challenges that arise and build a cohesive team.
two men and a woman standing while having a conversation
two men and a woman standing while having a conversation
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FAQs about working as a team leader

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about being a team leader.

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