This text is based a Coleman interview with David Biello for TED.com.
Build individual relationships with your team members
Successful people leadership means, among other things, not taking a one-size-fits-all approach to your subordinates. Each member of your team is an individual, so you need to get to know each person on an individual level.
"When you're able to say to a member of your team, 'Your world is different from mine, but I'd like to get to know yours,' you're not only building mutual trust, you're also opening up a channel of communication that allows you to get to know your colleague's true qualities," says Coleman.
Create a team culture that is open to ideas and suggestions from all team members
While leaders are in charge of their teams, they need to have some authority with subordinates. But it is equally imperative the team leader allows team members to express themselves and communicate their ideas and suggestions.
No less important is the team leadership always taking relevant ideas into account, especially if these relate to the expertise and area of the person who has made the suggestion.
Create a shared vision
For team members to be truly motivated to help one another and pull together as much as possible, it is essential the entire team has a common vision, namely a specific goal all employees can work towards and whose vision helps them overcome obstacles and difficult times.
"Trust is key in creating a shared vision and team spirit. You have to build that - that means trusting the people around you, but also earning their trust yourself," says Coleman.
-mm-