Teams can make work more productive, and enjoyable as well, but supervisors need to be trained to lead them. Here’s an affordable tool to do it.
Recent surveys, including our own National Employee Attitude Survey, show that teamwork, though a lofty goal in theory and a fact at our overseas competitors, remains elusive in the American workplace.
What takes its place? Too often, backbiting, finger pointing, mutual suspicion, and a conspicuous failure to communicate. Yet, it’s not because we don’t know how to get teams to work, say the experts, but rather because we do not train our people, from the bottom up, in what makes teams work and how to create and manage them.
BLR’s Audio Click ‘n Train: Teambuilding for Supervisors uses both PowerPoint® slides and a soundtrack to create leaders that get the most from teams. Read more.
The key in this equation is the supervisory level, says one BLR editor who’s written extensively about training. Using a military analogy, he says that “while the generals make the plans, it’s the sergeants who get the troops to carry them out.”
Training materials are available. One program we especially like is BLR’s Audio Click ’n Train: Teambuilding for Supervisors. It uses both PowerPoint slides and a professionally recorded audio soundtrack to impart its lessons and make them stick.
Here are some of the necessities for creating team success at the supervisory level that Audio Click ‘n Train: Teambuilding for Supervisors suggests:
–Manageable size. Keep your team’s size no larger than needed, say the program’s writers. More than 10 to 12 members will have problems getting to know and bonding with each other. Communication will also be more difficult.
–Diverse skills. This factor allows each member to add his or her own knowledge and perspective, not only to check and balance that of the others but also to build on the efforts of the group.
–Common goals. Regardless of their backgrounds, team members must share a common vision of what’s to be accomplished. A written mission statement is a valuable tool to that end.
–Open exchange of ideas/information. Whether it’s through formal meetings or “water cooler chats,” team members must share what they know and think, both about their own roles and the roles of others inside and outside the team.
What’s it worth to get your teams to work better together? How about less than $150? See how you can do it with BLR’s Audio Click ‘n Train: Teambuilding for Supervisors. Click to learn more.
–Cooperation. Going hand-in-hand with the open exchange of ideas is a desire to help one another over the rough spots. That comes from …
–Mutual respect. Even if they’re not friends socially, teammates need to be professional with one another and listen to all ideas. They must offer support when they agree and objective, constructive (not personal) criticism when they don’t.
–A resourceful leader. Without someone to point them in the right direction and keep them on track, teams can quickly dissolve in conflict and disagreement over what course to take.
Training supervisors to be that kind of leader is the objective of Audio Click ’n Train: Teambuilding for Supervisors. We highly recommend this program and suggest that you click the link below for more information or to order—satisfaction assured.
If Your Teamwork Doesn’t Work …
Often, it’s the fault of the leader. Use sight and sound to train your supervisors to be effective team leaders, quickly and affordably, with BLR’s Audio Click ’n Train: Teambuilding for Supervisors. Satisfaction assured. Click for details.
Great article! While I appreciate the title and the content, I am hoping there is a flip side to this discussion about leadership – engagement, really.
Your title and the following comment from within your article don’t seem to match:
“…it’s not because we don’t know how to get teams to work, say the experts, but rather because we do not train our people, from the bottom up, in what makes teams work and how to create and manage them.”
Too many times we, as practitioners, make the statement that all change begins with the leader – a top down approach, if you will. Then, when we look deeper, we realize that it’s both a top down and bottom up approach.
The best way to create a cohesive team is train and support both the supervisors (leaders) and their teams. The responsibility for creating a cohesive team lies on the shoulders of each team member.
The responsibility of a truly engaged leader is to inspire the best in each of her team members – that what leadership is. Titles aside, each team member is responsible for taking ownership of ensuring the mission/vision is reached.
Remember, one horse can pull 1 ton and three horses can pull 10 ton. Personal commitment and full engagement with all team members makes a world of a difference. I welcome you to consider providing tools to all team members.
Rock on!
Warmly,
Misti Burmeister, Author of “from Boomers to Bloggers: Success Strategies Across Generations”