Are You Really Leading a Team? episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 19, 2025 · 4 MIN

Are You Really Leading a Team?

from The Leader's Kitbag

In this episode of The Leader’s Kitbag, I challenge the common assumption that every group of direct reports is automatically a ‘team’.  Spoiler alert: they’re often not.  Drawing on three key characteristics, shared goals, interdependence, and mutual accountability, I offer a simple framework to help you identify whether you’re truly leading a team or just a group of individuals working in proximity.  Recognising the distinction is more than semantics; it has a real impact on how we lead, motivate, and structure our people. Get this right, and you’ll be leading with clarity and purpose.  In this episode, you’ll learn: The 3 defining features of a true team How to spot if you’re leading a group, not a team Why mislabelling workgroups as “teams” drives the wrong leadership behaviours  Get Leadership Tools Straight to Your Inbox  If you enjoyed this episode and want more practical, no-nonsense insights on leadership and team development, subscribe to my newsletter right here.  You’ll get tools, strategies, and reflections that will help you lead with clarity, build real teams, and get better results without burning out. 

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Are You Really Leading a Team?

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How long is this episode of The Leader's Kitbag?

This episode is 4 minutes long.

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This episode was published on November 19, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In this episode of The Leader’s Kitbag, I challenge the common assumption that every group of direct reports is automatically a ‘team’.  Spoiler alert: they’re often not.  Drawing on three key characteristics, shared goals, interdependence,...

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