Chapter 4: Knowing Why the Team Exists--Leading the Way to Clear Goals

Overview

At one organization, management and the union agreed to form a series of committees to enable all employees to influence key decisions in its operations. They established production committees to determine product mix and production goals to meet customer needs. They established personnel committees to participate in hiring, performance review, and promotional decisions. And they established "advisory" committees to review budget information and strategic planning in each department of the company.

But advisory committee work became ambiguous. Some department heads shared budgetary information regularly, and some waited to be asked. In a couple of departments, the advisory committee collected money for a "flower fund" for members and their families in times of sickness and death or at celebratory times such as weddings and births. In some departments, the advisory committee emerged as the committee in charge of scheduling major meetings for planning or for holiday celebrations. In fact some departments started referring to their advisory committees as "welfare committees." Other committees chose improving morale as their key goal, but meetings became complaint sessions about managers. The union became concerned that advisory committee members were taking over the stewards' role. Over time, fewer people wanted to be on the advisory committee. Ultimately, advisory committees became the weak link in this company's team concept.

The story above includes several valuable lessons. First, it is important that the purpose of each team established be made clear. Second, as things evolve over time, management (and union leadership, if any) must continue to manage. You cannot set up teams ”even self-directed teams ”and then let them get involved in whatever way they want. Third, it helps if the name given to the team clearly reflects its mission. This chapter provides ideas and tools for ensuring that every team in your organization has a clear sense of direction. This is the most important component in any team system seeking excellence.