Upgrading Teams  

It’s hard to operate these days without teams.

          Success or failure in business usually depends on whether people can work together effectively in teams.

          Work teams must be given specific responsibilities.

          Every team is different. Look closely at the group dynamics before you attempt to reorganise and improve a team.

          Different tasks require different types of teams.

          Leaders must bring teams together to focus on single targets.

Five ways to upgrade and improve teams 

* Analyse the work first before making changes

          Which areas could be improved quickly and easily.

          You will get greater synergy if you select teams containing both men and women. They contribute different skills and outlooks.                             

* Delegate responsibilities to teams

          Give work teams specific responsibilities –  in writing.

          People have a basic desire to make a difference – they want to contribute. Help them to achieve. Make them feel they are important and they are contributing to the organisation.

          Team members should meet frequently to review progress.

* Leaders must give encouragement and regular feedback on the team performance

          Good communication is a two-way affair.

It’s essential for management to keep teams informed of changing situations and for teams to keep management informed of developments and their successes. 

* Coach and encourage teams

          Give team tasks to team players. Non- contributors should be removed if they hinder progress. Give selected solo tasks to non-team workers.

          Teams must be coached continuously and, if necessary, rebalanced from time to time.

          Let them seek advice if and when they need help and support.          

          Social events can help strengthen a team.  Encourage formal and informal activities outside work.

* Acknowledge, reward and celebrate successes

          Leaders should acknowledge improvements and successes and reward results,  not tasks.

          Competition between teams can be a stimulus.

          The only way to judge a team is by performance.

–Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Small streams join to form mighty rivers.”

Source:  Chapter 6;  Building Winning Teams; “Revitalise Your Business. Guidelines for new leader-managers” and “Secrets for New Managers”, first published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand.  “Business Secrets” and “Secrets for New Managers” has been published by Cengage Learning, Asia. Also published by SE-EDUCATION in Thailand, ANE Books in India and by the Singapore Institute of Management.  Available as e-books from Amazon.com and VitalSource Bookshelf.