On a recent Business Masterclass I was asked about different levels of leadership. Of course we have leaders at all levels of an organisation so to make a point I created this blog, which shows that you have to have leadership thinking in any group situation.

The 11 checkpoints below can be applied to running task groups, departments, and even meetings. It will also demonstrate your leadership skills.

Its a good base point to remember Leadership is not about you, Its about your team.

Actions for the Task Group Leaders.

1- Confirm Purpose, Value, Outcomes, Timeline and Roles.

To build trust, buy-in, engagement and teamwork make sure that you sell participation in the team by making sure the team are clear about your purpose of the team, the value of the exercise, the desired outcomes, timelines and roles they have to play.

2- Behaviour

When you're in charge of a team, lead by example. Say "we" more often than "I," but always understand that the buck stops with you. If something goes wrong, take the heat without blaming others. Then, discuss the problems calmly with the team.

Give confidence, provide motivation and encourage greatness. Promote mutual respect, cooperation and enthusiasm and you'll not only encourage teamwork, you'll inspire the team.

3- Define roles 

Outline the responsibilities of everyone on the team. This is crucial to the team's success. Understanding each other's duties and deadlines helps people work collaboratively.

If Possible encourage the team to define the division of labor themselves. They'll take on more responsibility if they are in control and someone may even offer a previously untapped talent.

4- Set goals  Team members need to develop individual and group goals. Urge them to set achievable and measurable short-term goals, as well as long term ones. With team-driven goals and a team-developed code of ethics, the group will begin to self-manage. Peer pressure and individual pride will help curb absenteeism, lateness and poor performance.

5- Share information

The rumor mill is a drain on productivity and morale. Earn your team's respect and trust with openness and honesty. During times of change, reveal as much as you can and promise to update them as soon as you can.

6- Establish trust .

Do what you say you will. If you offer to obtain information for a colleague, make it a priority. Treat all members of the team consistently and fairly and don't play favorites.

7- Listen  

Be open to ideas. Thoroughly consider all suggestions and respond to the individual or entire team, whichever is more appropriate.

8- Be patient

If the team does not seem to gel at first, give people time to get along. Watch carefully from a distance and see if they can resolve their differences together. If not, take action before the success of the team is compromised.

9- Provide encouragement 

Challenge each team member to participate and contribute. Urge them to take additional training if necessary and to step outside their comfort zones to develop their own unique talents. Change people's responsibilities often. Acknowledge each individual's strengths and offer positive reinforcement.

10- Praise the team 

Celebrate achievements together. Reward the team, not an individual. Every group will have a star that excels at everything. Recognize this privately and through the performance review process but to foster teamwork, eliminate any opportunity for professional jealousy. Always speak positively about your team. Showcase their talent and recognize their dedication, efforts and successes publicly.

11- Be enthusiastic  

Enthusiasm is contagious. Be positive, upbeat and hopeful. Always expect great things from your team and they'll do their best not to disappoint you. Focus on what's going right even if, at times, everything seems to be going wrong.

Doing all of the above will help your team work together, engage and take ownership.