Team Building: A Leadership Strategy

            Teamwork ensures not only that a job gets done but also that it gets done efficiently. Therefore, successful teamwork can often make the difference between the profitable and the unprofitable operation of an organization. The team&-building leadership style is effective because it is suited to the needs of most of today's employees.

            An effective work team tends to be informal and relaxed, with no obvious tensions. People are involved, interested, and anxious to participate in solving work&-related problems. An effective work group also has clearly understood goals and objectives.

            Two important dimensions of supervisory leadership contribute to team building. One of these dimensions, consideration, reflects the extent to which a supervisor maintains relationships with employees that are characterized by

mutual trust, respect, and rapport. The other dimension, structure, reflects the extent to which a supervisor is likely to direct group activities through planning, goal setting, communication, scheduling, and evaluating. The managerial Grid helps clarify these two dimensions of leadership.

            Members of an effective work group should assume effective leadership and membership roles. Each helps the group achieve its mission. Everyone assumes the role of team builder.

            Employees are in a unique position to give guidance and support to their supervisor or manage. Most bosses need this assistance and support to achieve success. To manage the relationship with your boss, it is first necessary to understand him or her. Next, you must assess your own strengths and try to identify personal characteristics that might impede or facilitate a working relationship. And finally, you must work hard to develop and maintain the relationship.