how to become a team leader?

travelmonster

work in a financial call centre environment. .. worked in different roles in this industry for past 5 years. ..

I'm 30 odd now and want to get to the next level now.

how could I prepare myself to become a TL? and what does this role entail?

DCFC79

travelmonster wrote: »

work in a financial call centre environment. .. worked in different roles in this industry for past 5 years. ..

I'm 30 odd now and want to get to the next level now.

how could I prepare myself to become a TL? and what does this role entail?

Ask your manager if he thinks your ready/able to do it.

Speak to a colleague who is a Team Leader and ask whats involved.

[Deleted User]

Are you inspirational, unflappable, persuasive, bossy and outspoken?

Ask for it! Straight out. I met one person recently who thought upper management just decided for and asked them, when they really wanted such position as a strong and reliable team member. Such a shame though they are only 20 ish so still time for them.

Save any job description you see for TL to see what duties you need to perform as something to work on.
I see a team leader as being able to do the agent job inside out, while also able to handle the likes of complaints better then an agent, doing the rota, understanding budgets, all manner of things from training and coaching to reviews and maybe interviews, a company ambassador, able to get along with everyone, a figure of authority. I guess your best having a consistent number of years stable under the belt but recently seen this as not totally true.
For most industries I would also say an overriding high degree of accountability.

Dare say someone could become stronger if they don't always have their own team leader about all the time as good practise. Though this only occurred to me very recently!!

See if your organisation has a leadership development programme?
I remember moons ago someone was offered maternity leave cover in another area as lead into supervisory as a way to progress when their manager wasn't going anywhere and it was decided time for them so anything is possible.

ThemeOne

All of the above, but don't forget to start being friendly / helpful to anyone who could influence your promotion - though don't overdo it obviously.

It's a touch cynical, I know, but I think it does help. People often promote those they like.

Ozzuk

early in my career I did evening classes in introduction to supervisory management, helped prepare me for managing teams/moving roles. Wasn't expensive.

A more expensive but established option would be ILM, various levels. Ask your employer if they will cover the cost, but you could also self fund and use it to secure a new role externally.

motorguy

travelmonster wrote: »

work in a financial call centre environment. .. worked in different roles in this industry for past 5 years. ..

I'm 30 odd now and want to get to the next level now.

how could I prepare myself to become a TL? and what does this role entail?

All of the above thats been mentioned and if it hasnt already been said, ask for an opportunity to deputise for your team leader or ask to be the designated point of contact in his absence.

It can be notoriously difficult to get promotion in in house call centres as there is so much competition and so few roles come up as people rarely move on.

Fireflyaway

I'd say ask your manager if there are opportunities or consider leaving to somewhere where there is. Its hard to get a team leader role if you haven't done it before. I'm applying for similar roles and finding it hard because they easy my experience is not recent enough.
To boost your CV do a course in supervisor skills or team leading. The Reed website has a selection of really cheap courses. Most are not accredited but its a start whilst you are looking. Ensure your workplace know you are keen. Its easy to be overlooked in favour of the loud ones in a call centre environment.