Assessment Tools for Developing and Leading Effective Teams

Abstract

The complexity of organizations and the dynamic nature of the environment mean that teams are becoming an increasingly important organizational structure. Environmental pressures like globalization and the need for innovation create a demand for work groups that combine diverse skills, capabilities, and cultures. Social networks and communication technologies that better link individuals, teams and organizations offer new approaches for solving business challenges in real time. The development and leadership of teams requires new planning and tactics to successfully exploit the advantages of team-based work structures. The controls of traditional chain-of-command organizations are lost with self directed work teams. Additionally teams create new challenges related to functioning (morale) and productivity (results). This paper explores how teams develop and the leadership activities required to ensure their performance.