The role of a manager or team leader is immensely challenging especially, in this uncertain scenario of Covid-19. It is easy to work on your own but difficult to get work done from your team members. A team leader not just delegates work and responsibility but also ensures the accomplishment and productivity of his team members and the organization in the long-run.

Moreover, in the present unpredictable scenario, the role of the team leader is constantly changing and evolving. A team leader has to ensure the smooth functioning of a team consisting of individuals of different temperament, calibre and skill sets. It is indeed a difficult task but you can learn the techniques of managing your team effectively. After all, management skills can be learned and improved with the passage of time along with the application of modern tools of technology. 

These are few tips that will help you in managing your team effectively in the organization.

1. Effective communication: The first essential criterion for managing your team effectively is the need to develop a productive and cooperative relationship with your team members. This can be achieved through the medium of effective communication. A two-way communication is vital for a team to function effectively.

As a team leader, you need to keep your team informed about the deadlines to be met in the present quarter and the upcoming projects for the remaining part of the year. You have to outline a strategy in coordination with your team members. Your team members should be in a position to come up with any query that they have in mind with regard to the goals of the organization or say, job security.

In the present scenario when remote working has become the new norm, you as a team leader, can effectively communication using the technology tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and others. 

Thus, ensure to maintain a two-way communication and this will help you to manage your team effectively.

2. Assign tasks based on the strength of your team members: As a team leader, it is essential for you to know the strengths and weaknesses of every member of your team. This will help you in assigning projects or deadlines to be achieved based on the skills of the individual team member. It has been observed that an employee works harder and is more involved in the work in which he enjoys applying his skills. In this manner, you will be able to accomplish the project smoothly and manage your team as well effectively.

3. Assist your team members in improving their skills: For your team to function effectively, it is extremely vital to keep upgrading and enhancing the skills of your team members. This improvisation is all the more needed in the present uncertain Covid-19 scenario. As a team leader, you need to identify the areas of improvement and organize training sessions for your team members. This will help you and your team members to take on challenges and accomplish the goals of the organizations in a seamless manner.

4. Acknowledge and reward good work of your team members: As a team leader, it is vital for you to acknowledge the extraordinary work of your team members. Every team member likes and appreciates the fact that his/her hard work has been noticed and acknowledged. This will encourage and motivate your team member to work harder with greater engagement in the new project assigned to him.

Not just acknowledgement but even rewarding your team members can boost their morale as well. Say, you can take your entire team out for lunch after completing a tight schedule at hand. These are some of the simple ways in which as a team leader you can ensure to manage your team effectively.

5. Encourage collaboration among your team members: One of the methods to manage your team effectively is to ensure cohesion and collaboration among your team. A divisive team cannot yield positive results, so as a team leader, you need to ensure that your team members spend time together and coordinate as well. Collaboration ensures that the diverse skill sets of your team members get utilized in achieving the targets effectively.

6. Manage conflict: This is one criterion which if ignored can lead to division of your team. You, as a team leader, have to comprehend the behaviour, skills and aptitude of your team members and accordingly manage your team. There is bound to be difference of opinion or conflict among your team due to diversity. However, you have to ensure that in case of a conflict, you make both the sides understand the diverse viewpoints in an easy manner. Hence, make sure to address any conflict that arises instead of ignoring it.

7. Provide valuable feedback: As a team leader, when you provide feedback, it helps your team member, to understand his/her shortcomings and overcome them. It is vital that feedback is taken in a positive manner by your team member. Moreover, constructive feedback is vital for you as well as a team leader, given by your team members to the senior management or business head. It can be said that feedback enhances your overall functioning in the organization.

Conclusion

Therefore, to conclude, walking the tight rope of managing a team is not easy but not impossible. It is vital for you to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your team members. Further, you need to interact with every team member and try and prevent employee burnout. All these steps taken together will ensure the smooth management of your team in the near future as well.