Chapter 4 - Effective Teams

Question 1

Key characteristics of an effective team

Answer 1

1. Share a common goal
2. Range of preferences and skills (Belbin team roles theory)
3. Clear responsibilities
4. Good communication
5. Resilience
6. Respect each other
7. High achieving
8. Trusted leader

Question 2

Purpose of team meetings

Answer 2

1. Communicate info to team
2. Motivate
3. Build team spirit
4. Obtain feedback and suggestions
5. Review team performance
6. Develop through coaching and training

Question 3

Styles of running a team meeting

Answer 3

1. Facilitative
   Ideas required / creative brainstorming
   Build team ethos
   Conflict suppressed
   Can be lengthy
2. Interactive
   Decision made by consensus
   Training and coaching
   Used during rapid change
3. Formal
   Chaired
   Regulated by rules
   Decisions made by vote
   Personal interaction not required
4. Directive
   Used when under time pressure
   Crisis management
   Hierarchical structure
   Not all info shared
   Tend to be short/ to the point
   No feedback required

Question 4

Advantages and disadvantages of remote working

Answer 4

Advantages
Lower office costs
Have expertise in team they may not have access to otherwise
Better work life balance for staff
Potential to manage a larger team

Disadvantages
Could feel isolated and demotivated
More scope for communication breakdown
Exacerbates any lack of purpose or responsibilities
Reduced sense of team spirit
Harder to manage team, quality, conduct and risk
Harder to supervise/ support with training

Question 5

Key things when managing a remote team

Answer 5

1. Ensure team and individual goals are clear and realistic
2. Communicate needs to be clear and structured
3. Maintain staff morale
4. Build sense of trust and team
5. Ensure processes are clear
6. Agree a way of working