By Dr. Ron Johnson
Associate Professor of Management Studies, American Public University
Teams are becoming much more important as the global economy continues to make demands on organizations to become increasingly flexible, technologically connected, and enterprising. Successful leadership of a team requires a certain skill set and a bit of panache. As instructors, at American Public University, we understand that the successful leader of tomorrow is one who successfully can lead a team.
Why Teams?
The use of teams is increasing in popularity for a variety of reasons: increased problem solving; collaborative decision-making; morale building; and strategic planning, just to name a few. Some of the outcomes from working on a successful team are increased productivity; shared knowledge and more effective communication. Teams are vital in an era of rapid change.
Types of Teams
There are various types of teams in organizations, and the basic working definition of a team is an interdependent group sharing information, resources, and skills; while using this synergy to achieve a common goal. Recent management academic literature recognizes four main types of teams:
- A manager-led team is one where the manager acts as the team leader and defines the goals, methods, and functioning of the team. The military uses this type of team and it is also popular in many organizations.
- Self-managing teams (also known as self-regulating teams) are found when a manager or leader determines the purpose or goal of the team, while providing the team autonomy to manage themselves in order to reach their goals.
- Self-directing teams determine their own objectives and the methods by which to achieve them.
- Self-governing teams are usually responsible for executing a task, managing their own performance processes, designing the group, and designing their own unique organizational context.
When learning about teams we need to be cognizant of many factors. Teams are not always the answer to an organization’s problems. Teams can provide insight, creativity, and knowledge in a way that a person working independently cannot, but teamwork may also lead to confusion, ambiguity, delay, and poor decision-making. Conflict among team members can be constructive as it may lead to effective decision-making, while producing a higher level of accuracy, insight, understanding, trust and innovation. There is no magic formula for designing and maintaining effective teams.
Team Competencies and Tools
There are a number of competencies and tools that would be useful in leading teams. One of the most important competencies for a leader is honest and open communication. A team leader must also be self-aware, possess time management skills, and be able to make sound decisions.
Blogs are a useful tool for teams. A wiki is another way to promote team collaboration. Both of these tools offer a platform for open communication, active collaboration by team members, and a secure and reliable storage place for information.
Successful teams have one thing in common – an effective leader and dedicated team members. Here is hoping your next team experience is an inspiring one.
About the Author:
Dr. Ron Johnson is an instructor, leader and member of diverse, global teams. His team-based training focuses on empirical management, interpersonal and communication skills. Dr. Johnson has trained teams in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. His innovative, technology-based training has helped clients and students increase their team knowledge and skills. He believes successful team building requires the use of a variety of inputs, tools and strategies – focusing on measures to improve leadership, communication and trust.
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