Today, many companies are shifting from a hierarchical structure to a self-organizing team structure. In a self-organizing team, the employees must be responsible enough to handle tasks without being micromanaged. Companies believe that for teams to function, they must have autonomy over their work and be accountable for their actions. Employees who are exceptionally skilled at independent, critical thinking should excel in this environment.
How a Self-Organizing Team Can Succeed
A self-organizing team can be successful in several ways. Here are a few essential things to the success of a self-organizing team.
Clear Objectives
Employees need to understand why they are doing what they are doing, and there needs to be a clear vision for where the team is going. Employees should know how their particular task contributes to their mission and vision. Some teamwork progress can be missed if there is no good organizational structure. It may seem like it will take more time upfront, but what emerges from self organizing teams structure is more efficient and effective . Hence, the team would become more productive over time, a good investment.
Trust And Accountability
Every task given to a team should have someone accountable for it. However, this does not mean that the person with the most experience will always be in charge or given accountability for everything. Employees should work together to decide who has the best skills to complete specific tasks. This way, each project progresses forward, and no one feels like they are constantly being watched or micromanaged by another team member. Everyone should understand their roles within the company, but they also need to know how that role fits into everyone else’s role around them. A self-organizing team will work more efficiently if members can act independently, and that can only happen if employees trust one another. If employees do not trust each other, it could hurt morale and productivity.
Attention To The Customers/Client Needs
Every team member should consider how their actions will impact the customers’ or clients’ needs. It is vital for everyone on the team to understand what they are selling and who will be purchasing it. Employees should take the time to ask themselves if what they are doing will meet or exceed the customer’s expectations. A self-organizing team can be successful when members feel empowered and trust one another. No matter how many employees are on a team, it may be vital to understand their roles in helping the company reach its goals. A product will not be successful if it does not meet or exceed customer expectations.
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Follow Through On Commitments And Plans
When employees start a project, whether large scale or small, they need to follow through until it is completed. If they start something then do not finish it, someone else has to take over, which wastes time and resources. Employees also need to meet deadlines that they have committed to, even if they work long hours to get the job done. Everyone on a self-organizing team should understand that their input is valued and appreciated. When employees feel like they cannot contribute and share their thoughts and ideas, it can lead to poor morale and unnecessary frustration for everyone involved. An efficient self-organizing team allows every group member to speak out when they want or need something to be changed or improved upon.
Getting Everyone Involved Early On
All parties must get input from everyone affected by changes to prevent surprises later on. If there is a problem with the proposed changes or solutions, it may be uncovered and dealt with early in the process by getting everyone’s input. If someone does not agree with what is happening, letting them speak up will help avoid disagreements later when it may be more challenging to change the plan. Even if someone decides that it is time for a change, speaking up can help contribute to a better solution because different perspectives can be shared while discussing things.
Allowing Employees To Make Decisions
Employees should be trusted to make decisions based on data and information that they have been appropriately trained on. If employees do not feel like their input is valued or their opinions are being respected, it will hurt morale and create tension. When employees know what the final product is meant to accomplish and how it fits into the company as a whole, they will understand what needs to be done. Members of self-organizing teams need to feel empowered, trust one another, and work together to reach individual and group goals.
Respecting Each Other’s Opinions And Thoughts
It may take more time for a decision to get made if everyone is being heard, but in the end, it will be worth it because the right decision will get made. It is also vital that all members of any self-organized team understand that their input is valuable and have something to contribute even if they do not have the most experience or education. Respect for everyone’s ideas may slow down a process from time to time, but at the end of the day, this type of respect helps create a better-finished product and shows employees how much they are valued.
Everyone Communicates
Employees need to communicate with each other to get done quickly, efficiently, and without conflict. When everyone is on the same page and speaking, it is easier to complete tasks together. If one member of a self-organized team tries to do everything themselves, then there may be problems with meeting deadlines or completing tasks correctly. Employees should also develop better ways of communicating when they need to keep their efforts secret or tell everyone what is going on at once.
A self-organizing team can be successful if clear expectations, open communication, the appropriate amount of time is spent on decision making, and everyone is working towards a common goal. These teams also learn from mentors and other co-workers while establishing trust and accountability for future endeavors. In the end, everyone will benefit from working together as a cohesive unit to share ideas and solve problems.