Help wanted for a self managing team

[Craig Brown]

As best as I can I have been hands off for my project team. I've provided strategic goals (at least strategic for our context) and a general process to follow. I've also hired a few people into the team, but most of them weer there when I got here.

We've been working together properly for about 4 months and in the early months there were quite a few conflicts over approaches to (our IT project) work, espcially on technical points. Many of the team members are actually beginners with the technology we are using, but all are relatively expertienced as IT project team members.

Two specific examples of conflict;

1. David, a programmer constantly fails to stay focused and meet deadlines. When Jeff, the experienced hand gives him instructions he rejects the advice and is often seeking to develop alies in little mutinies against Jeff.

2. Sonia quietly sabotages the team's focus by making comments about the amateurish levels of competency of the team.

Neither David of Sonia ever openly rebel, and nether of them are without some foundation of truth to what they say.

My preferred goal is to have the team address the problem directly.

Any tips?

[Angela Washington Jones]

Somewhere along the way, I learned that there are only two foundational emotions that people react from --- fear and love. When we have dysfunctional people who contribute to a dysfunctional team, the real issue probably lies within a fear that they have. For instance, David's rejection of Jeff's advice may be rooted in his fear of not appearing competent due to to his inability to focus. While David might be competent, he may have feelings of inferiority to Jeff. One way to improve the working relationship is to have each really think about the value that they as inviduals bring to the project and then have them think of the value that the other person brings. Focus on your team on seeing the value in themselves and others and then they will be able to "not sweat the small stuff".

Angela

[Ben Simonton]

Craig,

I am willing to coach you through this, but we will need more than one way communication such as on this forum. If you are interested, give me a call at 813-634-4003. There won't be any charges. If you learn a lot and want to pay later, you can do so if you wish.

I have run into all the problems you have or will have and have learned how to unleash every employee's full potential of creativity, innovation, productivity, motivation and commitment.

Best regards, Ben Simonton