Managing teams is a core leadership subject within the CMQ/OE certification body of knowledge. As a CMQ/OE and Education Chair of the local ASQ section in Tampa, Pro QC’s Communications Director recently instructed a webinar related to Leading Teams Effectively. Similar training was also recently conducted for our team in China. At Pro QC, we understand the benefits of effective teams as it relates to the delivery of value-added quality services that reduce our clients’ risks and cost. With experience managing teams across 38 countries, our takeaways for managing effectively include: The Right People – Selecting team members that have the right experience, skills and attitudes is critical. Navigating Team Stages – Understand the five team development stages of forming, storming, norming and performing. Leadership within each stage ensures smooth transitions and maximizes productivity throughout the process. Approach to Problem Solving – Understand the team problem-solving steps, but more specifically ensure that each team member is knowledgeable regarding quality tools that can be incorporated throughout the process. The Quality Toolbox is an invaluable resource here. Build Mutual Trust & Respect – It is noted that over 33 million results appear when you type “team building” into Google. Many of these include team building consulting or other related information. Team building focuses on building mutual trust and respect that is required for teams to successfully meet goals and objectives. Teampedia offers several ideas, but consistency and management support are key. Staying Organized – Organization, including the development of a Team Charter, written agendas and clearly defined roles, is correlated with a team’s ability to meet goals and objectives. Continuous Improvement – Periodic evaluation of team performance is necessary. Evaluating whether or not the team is supportive, participative, organized, has adequate resources and clearly defined leadership supports continuous improvement and higher quality output. “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” –Andrew Carnegie
