Guide to Self-Directed Work Teams

Self-directed or self-managed work teams have become more common today than ever before. As recognition of the value of employee empowerment grows, many companies see the potential advantages of implementing self-directed work teams. Yet, many are also unsure exactly how to go about doing it and wonder whether it could really work for them.

Fortunately, many resources exist on the Internet today that can guide you in getting the help you need to make your self-directed work team project a success.

Some advantages of adopting the self-directed work team model are:

1. Greater employee responsibility and accountability
2. Greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction among employees
3. Greater freedom for team innovation
4. More effective use of individual team members' skills
5. Greater "ownership" of project results by team members who have a stake in the project's outcome
6. Greater empowerment, which leads to higher employee morale

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the self-directed work team concept

Learn why self-directed work groups work. Understand the principles behind the concept and the employee motivations that cause self-directed business teams to thrive. You'll then be better prepared to implement this model in your own company.

I recommend: Organized Change Consultancy provides an overview of the 3 approaches to self-directed work groups. Free Management Library offers comprehensive information on the self-directed team concept, as well as explaining the difference between self-directed and self-managed work teams.

Train management thoroughly to prepare them for implementing self-directed work teams

Your managers are the people who will be responsible for empowering their teams to achieve their goals under their own leadership and self-determination. So, prepare them to help their teams excel by giving them the training they need in properly implementing the self-directed work team model.

I recommend: Fred Pryor Seminars offers various types of training in implementing self-directed work teams, and BIZ Hotline features corporate team building video seminars, which include self-directed work team videos.

Prepare your staff for self-directed team membership with some training of their own

Training your managers isn't enough. You'll also need to see that the team members, themselves, are thoroughly trained, developed and prepped for the exciting, though serious, responsibilities ahead. Effective training will equip them to be productive members of the team.

I recommend: AchieveMax, Inc. offers customized training in team building at your site, focusing on the specific training needs of your organization. 123CBT provides computer-based team participation training, including the fundamentals of effective team membership. One component of the training is how to differentiate between traditional and self-directed work teams.

Get some guidance from an expert by using a self-directed work teams consulting service

A self-directed business teams consultant can help you get your program properly implemented, better ensuring its success. If you're at all unsure that you and your managers can pull it off on your own, consider using a consultant--at least at the beginning--to get you started.

I recommend: Competitive Advantage Consultants, Inc. and Stanwick Management Consultants offer guidance in implementing your company's self-directed teams.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Learn as much as you can about the self-directed work teams business, and then build anticipation for the soon-to-be implemented program among your staff. Getting them on board early in the process will help the implementation phase go more smoothly, and preparing them in advance will give you time to overcome any initial resistance they may have to the idea due to insecurity.

The official source of Self-Directed Work Teams is
the Self-Directed Work Teams page at Business.com