A631.4.4.RB - Shuck, Allison

Through my knowledge, I feel that there are more benefits to working in a self-manage team then there are drawbacks. One of the major benefits of working in a self-managed team is that the team decides how to manage and structure their own work; essentially, making each team member responsibility for organizing and completing his or her own tasks. By creating a flatter organizational structure, each team member of the self-managed team has the capability to make decisions for themselves, to establish his or her role and responsibilities.

Another benefit of self-managed teams is that it promotes managers to move away from micro- management and take more of a nontraditional external leadership approach. As an external leader, a manger can help the team understand the overall goal the organization is trying to achieved and inspire the team to accomplish that goal. Giving a means to an ends; allowing the team to make its own decisions on how to manage the work, but providing the team with a vision.

However, external team leaders must refrain from micromanaging at all times and only intervene if there is a disruption in workflow or if there is an emergency. The external leaders should not be counterproductive to the team in any way.  The external leaders’ objective is to promote the teams’ independence and problem-solving skills. If the external leader fails to do his or her job incorrectly, it could be detrimental to the teams’ success.

Other drawbacks associated with self-managed teams are as follows:

·         Self-managed teams may not be appropriate to the task, people and context.

·         The organization does not perceive the need to change.

·         Managers and leaders are vague and confused about their roles.

·         Organizations fail to reward for performance.

·         A lack in training can cause self-managed teams to fail.

·         Lack of advancement opportunities.

·         Complications in constructing a successful

Would I like to be a part of a self-managed team?

I would love to have opportunity to work in a self-managed team. I am a very independent person and feel that working in a self-managed team would benefit me. Why, because it would allow me to put my creativity to use.