Part 3
TRUST
Successful leadership has many facets. Nash (1993, p.37-38, 48) suggests that effective leaders lead by example, earning trust and respect of team members, encouraging similar behaviors and fostering team spirit and success. Boutros (2007, p.1) points out that both trust within a team and trusting the group’s leader are choices that require ongoing work. Further stressing the importance of trust, DeJanasz (2006, p.34-35) point out that trust impacts the effectiveness of communications and influences people’s actions. Finally, trust is what binds leaders and followers together. It is this very bond that can make a tremendous difference in one’s ability to effectively lead and influence others. The ability to resolve conflict within teams is also an important part of success. Silberman and Hansburg (2000, p.155) stress the significance of fostering partnerships with others as a way of creating a climate of mutual interest. The right kind of group atmosphere will facilitate teamwork and cooperation. Having the ability to effectively relate to others and resolve conflicts are valuable skills for team members and successful team leaders alike.
In order for a leader to successfully establish and effectively enforce norms and protocols, he must demonstrate competence in the different aspects of leadership. Earning the group’s trust and respect is as important as being able to influence team members, resolve conflict, and form effective relationships. Mastering the various facets of effective leadership can have a ripple effect that spans from the individual, to the team, to the whole organization. A leader’s competence brings cohesiveness to the team, helping it to work together more effectively achieving their goals. His ability to build trust and inspire team members to contribute facilitates the group’s success. A successful team that brings consistent results benefits the organization as a whole.
On the other hand, when team members don’t trust each other or the team leader they’re less likely to give their best. Lack of strong leadership will make it easy for team members to ignore norms and protocols. Conflicts are likely to be handled poorly and ineffectively. General discord will affect a team’s effectiveness and eventually a company’s success.
CONCLUSION
The successful establishment and effective enforcement of norms and protocols within a virtual team is one of the many challenges faced by team leaders. Being able to bring together a geographically spread out group of diverse individuals requires the right leadership structure and interpersonal skill. Effective leaders understand the importance of leading by example, building trust and respect, and inspiring individuals to come together as a team who utilizes norms and protocols as a blueprint for its success.
Boutros, A. (January-February 2007). Building, maintaining and recovering trust: a core leadership competency. Physician Executive. Retrieved April 28, 2007, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0843/is_1_33/ai_n18617341
De Janasz, S. C., Dowd, K. O., Schneider, B. Z. (2006). Interpersonal Skills In Organizations (2nd ed). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Nash, L.L. (1993). Good Intentions Aside: A Manager’s Guide to Resolving Ethical Problems. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
Silberman, M. & Hansburg, F. (2000). People Smart: Developing Your Interpersonal Intelligence. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
