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Management Skills for

Supervisors

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Narelle Marr (Human Resources ± Organisational Development)
V5.0 ± October/November 2003

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What Makes Teams Effective?
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The team has a clear and unambiguous mission.

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Team goals and values are clear, understood and accepted by all the team members.
The team is oriented to goals and results.
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There are measurable targets for achieving the goals.

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The team members have the skills necessary for achieving the mission.
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The team has an optimum mix of skills and abilities.

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2ndividual skills are identified, and roles and responsibilities for each member of the
team are clarified.
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People understand their assignments and how their roles contribute to the work of the
whole.
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The team structure and procedures are consistent with the task, goals and people
involved.
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There is clear, timely and open communication downwards, upwards and sideways
within the team, as well as with suppliers and customers.
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The team has sufficient opportunities to meet and work through problems.
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2ssues, difficulties and blockages to effectiveness are always confronted and dealt with
in an open way.
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Both co-operation and conflict are used to get the best results.
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There are sound and understood procedures for decision-making that allow the team to
tackle issues without getting bogged down in trivia.
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Team members implement decisions with commitment.

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The team develops a self-discipline that uses time and resources well.
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The team regularly reviews the way it operates and sets targets for improvement.
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2ndividual and team development needs are regularly reviewed.

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The team leader is supportive of the other team members and has high personal
performance standards.
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There are formal or informal rewards that value the team members for their
contributions as well as the team¶s successes.
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Team members show support for each other and there is a high level of trust between
them.
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Relationships with other groups are sound.

Sources:
Team Building: Current 2ssues and New Alternatives, William G. Dyer, Addison-Wesley, Reading,
Massachusetts, 1995, pp. 15-16.
Team Development Manual, 2 nd edn, Mike Woodcock, Gower, Aldershot, UK, 1989, pp. 13, 33.
Summary - Skills for Effective Team Leadership
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Characteristics of an Effective Team Leader
1. General Attitude and Behaviour
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Support a team philosophy

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Open, honest and fair

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Act consistently
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Display tolerance and flexibility

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Exhibit a willingness to change

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Treat team members with respect

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Keep a balance between the needs of the team members and the needs of the task
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Motivate the team members
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Show loyalty to the organisation and team members

2. Planning
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Develop a team vision with the team

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Set team goals with the team

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Clearly define team roles and individual roles

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Give team members the information they need to do their jobs and explain new tasks
clearly
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Allocate tasks equitably and in accordance with team members¶ individual roles and
responsibilities
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Allocate resources needed for the tasks

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Set deadlines for achieving the tasks

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Help team members to see the importance of their work

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Establish guidelines or groundrules for the team¶s effective operation in conjunction

with the team members
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Establish high standards

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Use effective work methods

3. Meetings
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Plan team meetings, including organising the agenda, venue and attendance of
members
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Facilitate meetings and team contributions by drawing out quieter members and
quietening those who are louder
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Ensure that all team members are heard

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2nitiate discussions by directing the team towards its purpose

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Direct discussions around topic areas, not personalities

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Keep the team focused on its tasks and goals

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Summarise and clarify the main points of discussion, enabling the team to move
forward
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Monitor time well for meetings, tasks and project deadlines

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4. Decision Making
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Make decisions with input from the team members

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Guide decision making to incorporate all the relevant facts

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Facilitate group consensus

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Accept ownership for team decisions

5. Communication
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Relate well with all members of the team

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Demonstrate assertiveness
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Keep communication open

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Give praise and recognition when warranted

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Seek feedback
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Criticise constructively when appropriate and necessary

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Confront in a positive way when appropriate and necessary

6. Development
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Create an atmosphere of growth

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Encourage individual development

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Empower team members to take initiative

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Encourage controlled risk-taking

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Encourage creative potential

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Encourage critical analysis

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Delegate activities that will help develop the team members¶ skills and abilities
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Coach team members when appropriate and necessary

7. Support
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Build a supportive, positive climate

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Make self available and accessible

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Support team members in difficult situations

8. Problem-Solving
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Help the team and team members address problems

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Maintain confidentiality
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Manage conflict
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Mediate to allow team members to present opposing view points

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