Throughout this course, I have frequently indicated that leaders must put in the work to build their effective teams, and I am blessed to work with such a positive leader in my current employment. This is a leader who builds trust with his subordinates by being authentic about what is being expressed, and not just show up as courtesy but help to build the confidence of employees by offering them opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Maxwell (2003) states that to develop a team “requires commitment” (p. 212), which this leader, in fostering a strong bond of trust between him and his team members creates a positively safe work environment. He consistently visits our offices to check on our progress and offers useful feedback to set us up for success. He conveys meaningful positive communication so much that mistakes are not chastised but rather encourages different ways to learn and do our tasks. By showing compassion and building positive relationships with employees, he goes to the extent of making mistakes himself while working with team members on the same or similar projects.

This is prevalent in Wootten’s expressions as Maxwell (2003) references it thus, “coaches at every level have a tendency to lose sight of the purpose at times, especially after success arrives. They start to put the cart before the horse by working harder and harder to develop their teams, using their boys or girls to do it, gradually forgetting that their real purpose should be to develop the kids, using their team to do it” (p. 209). What is the point of establishing a team if we can forget, even for a moment, what the goal/mission is about and have no sense of guiding or investing in the team players? When team members know they are cared for and valued, they do outstanding job. Understanding the purpose of investing in your team is a sign of commitment which could lead towards the building of an effective team.

Does the writer make include some good points about leaders from Maxwell? What are you intial thoughts after reading?