Replacing another team leader is awkward. The old team leader was probably familiar with the project and knew the strengths and weaknesses of the team members.

If you find yourself in this position, realize that your key to success is to gain your team members' trust. When team members trust you, they're much more likely to work harder and smarter while going the extra mile for you.

To gain trust:

• Get to know your team members: To make intelligent assignments, you need to know the strengths and weaknesses of team members. Don't assign Marcy a task if she doesn't have the required skills. Marcy will rail against being given a task she cannot succeed at.



• Listen: Spend time listening to team members. You'll learn about their concerns and problems they're experiencing with the project, and they'll know that you consider their input worthwhile.



• Communicate: Your team won't function if it's kept in the dark. Don't use the power play of keeping information to yourself to make you appear more important. This ploy is guaranteed to backfire.



• Avoid making sudden changes: As the new team leader, take things slowly. Be sure there is justifiable cause for any changes you make. Don't make changes just to exert your authority.



• Be seen: Walk around the halls, visit with team members, make your presence felt in a positive way. (This is not the time to give critique--but do give praise. You want to be seen as interested and involved--not a micromanager.)



• Walk the talk: If your team members are staying late, you need to be there right beside them. The expectations you hold for your team should apply to you as well.



• Be flexible: Your team members are likely to be the first to know when things aren't going well since they're the ones "in the trenches." Be willing to switch strategies and game plans when necessary; they'll see that you're on top of the project and trust your leadership skills.

Use these steps to gain the trust of your team members, and you'll be seen as a valuable team leader who gets the job done. There's a SkillPath seminar coming to your area that'll help you learn to lead your team to excellence.