A631.4.4.RB_SteveneEric

·         What do you see as some of the major benefits and drawbacks of self-managed teams?

·         Would you like to work within such a team?

·         What competencies would you need to develop to be an effective external manager of a self-managed work team?

I view the major benefits of the self-managed teams to one where each of the members of the team takes personal responsibility in the success of the team. The self-managed team has a vested interest in how well the team performs. The self-managed work teams can have some very close working relationships. Another major benefit from the work team is that flexibility the team has in making decisions that they may feel is critical at a certain juncture. This will allow the team to change rather quickly and not have to gain permission that can come too late for the change required.

Some of the major drawbacks that I see with self-managed teams is the idea that some of the team members may not feel that their ideas or considerations are being taken seriously. The team could have some in fighting which could affect the cohesion of the team and cause a disruption of the flow of work. The absence of a leader inside the team can also have some draw backs in the sense that the team may begin to shift focus and travel in an unattended direction which could cause more harm than good.

I believe that I would enjoy the idea of working in a self-managed team for the basis that I would be able to openly express certain ideas without the concern of going against the grain with managers. The thought of working with the team to accomplish a certain goal with many different ideas that can be bounced around is a great thought. The self-managed team can allow each of the members of the team to openly explore possible suggestions or ideas that may not be open under the traditional role of the organization. I agree that direction guidance should be implemented in any team but only at crucial times in the teams work.

The first competency that I feel a good external need to learn is patience. A good external leader needs to learn to sit back and allow the team to attempt to work out the minor issues. The leader should know when to step in and do so in a manner that is not abrasive which could cause conflicts between the leader and the team. The team can become opposed to any and all ideas that may be presented regardless of how valid the idea may be. This can be done out of spite. The leader also needs to learn when to back off of an idea even when they think they are right. The teams ideas may achieve the same result but take a different route to achieve these goals.