Managing effectively through teams

Abstract

Points out that, if high performance is to be sustained in metal‐industrial organizations, co‐operative action among personnel becomes essential ‐ the explosion of information today and the complexity of our times demand it. Maintains that team management, then, is vital to achieve and maintain high output at a time of fast growth. Stresses that thinking managers must be committed to learning the skills of group dynamics, including how to influence team processes and activities, norms and values, and task and maintenance functions. Discusses group leadership which implies clarifying roles and relationships; sharing of unique talents and decision making; and acquiring new tools such as the computer to control the diverse elements involved in matrix, project or product management. Discusses the creation of an effective team culture which improves performance beyond the sum of individual member efforts. Suggests that behavioural scientists can provide team building to ensure group productiveness and synergy. Determines that successful management actively not only promotes a team spirit, but installs team mechanisms and the means to develop in team skills.