In today's column we will talk about self-directed work teams, a concpeto developed in order to give organizations alternatives to be able to change and compete.
by Héctor R. Torres, PhD, MBA, CPP, CFE, CHS
A fraternal greeting from Puerto Rico to all colleagues and readers of this column. It is a pleasure to share again with you.
Before examining the phenomenon of self-directed work teams we have to first define what a work team is.
A work team can be defined as a group of organized people, who work together to achieve a goal. The main purpose is to create synergy where the result achieved by the work of several people is greater than the simple sum of the contributions of each of them.
The work teams have been formed since the need to carry out joint work for the benefit of a community arose. These teams are the basis for realizing the objectives of a managerial function of a company such as the managerial function of corporate security.
There are also work teams that are focused on achieving the purpose of selling security products and services.
Self-directed work teams
The business world continues to change at a rapid pace. Therefore, organizations have to adapt to their business environment in order to change and compete. This in turn has created the need to develop a new approach around work teams.
One of these new approaches is that of self-directed work teams. What is the difference between a work team and a self-directed work team? Let's examine the following contrasts.
In their traditional management role, a supervisor is responsible for providing instructions, communicating, planning, giving orders, imparting discipline, giving recognition, rewarding their employees, and making decisions by virtue of their position.
The supervisor has full responsibility for achieving the objectives of the team and therefore makes all the necessary decisions to meet them. Some of these decisions will not be liked or supported by the members of a traditional task force.
If the supervisor is not experienced as a leader or manager, getting your team members to work together and commit to achieving goals can be uphill. Instead, self-directed teams can achieve that commitment.
A self-directed work team can be defined as a group of people who work together and in their own way towards a common goal which is defined by the management of the organization.
As a self-directed team, management grants you permission to organize and control the work you do. The general concept of these teams is that the supervisor does not exercise a position of authority but a role where he supervises more like an advisor.
In this model, the supervisor delegates responsibility and decision-making to the team with the purpose that a decision made by the team is better than a decision made by a single person.
Decisions are made by consensus and the team is responsible for the decision and its results. Members are committed to achieving the goals because it is the members who dictate how the work will be done.
Focus on execution
Self-directed work teams focus their performance on execution to achieve the goals set by management. The supervisor acts as a liaison with management for the purpose of facilitating the processes and support of the organization.
He also acts as the technical advisor to resolve any issues that interfere with the equipment. To work well, the team must consist of mature, experienced and motivated members to achieve the goals.
They have to have a high sense of loyalty and commitment to the organization. In addition, the self-directed team needs continuous recognition of their contributions to create the conducive environment of motivation. These teams can be an important catalyst to achieve the necessary changes in an organization.
Usually developed for special projects of short or long duration but of great importance. However, it can be a bit difficult to implement as it requires experienced and committed people.
In conclusion
Work teams are basically established for the achievement of goals. The difference between traditional work teams and self-directed teams is the role played by the supervisor and the members of these teams.
In traditional teams, all responsibility for achieving goals lies with the supervisor. In self-directed teams the responsibility lies with the members of the team. A great advantage of this responsibility in self-directed teams is that the achievement of goals is based on self-management of how goals are achieved.
This in turn develops a great sense of commitment on the part of its members. Self-directed teams are another great tool that organizations can use to achieve their goals and/or achieve organizational changes to stay highly competitive.
I invite you to continue to share your ideas and concerns from the world and security management.
A hug and see you next time!
* If you wish you can write to the author of this article by email: [email protected]
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