Working in Teams - Qualities, Styles, Leadership, Motivation, Delegation, Influence, Interpersonal Relationships

This article discusses the qualities that make an effective team, different styles of teams, key features of an effective team leader, theories of motivation, principles of effective delegation, how to influence others, and how to build and maintain interpersonal relationships with colleagues.

Working in Teams

Contents
Contents........................................................................................................................2
1.1 A definition and description of the qualities that make an effective team..............3
1.2 A description of different styles of teams................................................................3
2. Understand the key features of an effective team leader.........................................4
2.1 An outline of the role of a team leader and skills and qualities needed to be an
effective leader..............................................................................................................4
2.2 A description of different leadership styles.............................................................5
3. Understand theories of motivation............................................................................5
3.1 An explanation of major theories of motivation......................................................5
3.2 Key factors that motivate and demotivate individuals in work situations...............6
4. Know the principles of effective delegation to team members.................................7
4.1 Explain what delegation is and the difference between delegation and the
abdication of responsibilities.........................................................................................7
4.2 Describe the benefits and risks of delegation for both the manager and the team7
5. Know how to influence others...................................................................................8
5.1 Explain what influencing is and how it operates in your working life......................8
5.2 Describe the action and behaviors you need to demonstrate when you attempt to
influence others.............................................................................................................9
6. Know how to build and maintain interpersonal relationships with colleagues.........9
6.1 Explain the importance of creating good interpersonal relationships at work......10
6.3. Describe the indications and common causes of disagreement in work teams. 10
6.4 Explain the approaches people use to resolve conflict situations in work teams 11

1.1 A definition and description of the qualities that make an effective team
A team is a group of people where everyone works together and has a common objective to
achieve. Qualities that help in making an effective team are discussed below:
Clear Direction
A group should have a clear direction and purpose for which they are working which
helps to unite the team members and it also gives them a reason why the group has been
established (Characteristics, 2021).
Transparent Communication
Clear communication helps to clear all the doubts in the mind of the team member and he
will be able to perform his tasks and duties without any confusion. Transparent and effective
communication helps each member to express their thoughts comfortably.
Organized
An organized team helps to run the organization smoothly. It helps in making the healthy
environment which motivates the team member and allows them to work efficiently and with
positivity (V, 2021).
1.2 A description of different styles of teams
Fig 2: Different styles of teams
Different styles of teams are discussed below:
Project Teams
Project teams are the ones where members in a group work unitedly to attain the same
objective. Roles and responsibilities are assigned to each member and expect them to
complete the job within the given deadline.
 Functional teams
 Cross-functional teams
 Matrix teams
 Contract teams
Self-directed Teams
In self-directed teams, members are from the same organization and work together to
achieve a common goal although they may also have their objectives to achieve.
Virtual teams
In a virtual team, employees of the group are from different locations and time zones who
work together to achieve the same purpose. In this, cost cuts significantly as members

collaborate through different technologies like video calls without meeting physically (4
types of teams you'll find in organizations | Pragmatic Thinking, 2021).
My preferred team style would be Project Team as it enhances team bonding, avoids
redundancy, makes communication effective, and helps in achieving the objective
collectively.
2. Understand the key features of an effective team leader
2.1 An outline of the role of a team leader and skills and qualities needed to be an
effective leader
A team leader is a person who leads a group of employees and motivates and guides
them to achieve the organization's objectives.
The role of a team leader includes:
 Supervise the tasks given to the employees and help and guide them if someone is
finding difficulty in anything.
 Make a healthy and friendly workplace (Recruitment Process: 5 Steps Involved in
Recruitment Process (with diagram), 2021).
 Determining the strength and weaknesses of the employees and delegates the work
accordingly.
Skills and qualities needed for an effective leader are:
Fig 3: Skills and qualities needed for an effective leader
Integrity and Honesty
If the leader is honest and has integrity, employees are more likely to follow his advice and
suggestions, and disharmony among them may be avoided.
Communicates well
If a leader communicates with the employees effectively and clearly, he will be able to share
his thoughts and views adequately and conflicts are avoided. (8 must-have qualities of an
effective leader | Michael Page, 2021).
Motivate and empower employees
A leader should encourage the employees as it leads to more productivity and creativity and
bring innovation to the work.

2.2 A description of different leadership styles
Every organization has different types of leadership styles. Some of them are discussed
below:
Fig 4: Different leadership styles
Democratic Leadership
In this, the views and thoughts of the employees are taken by the leader before making any
decision, although the leader has the decisive call. Each employee feels valued when the
inputs provided are considered carefully (Becker, 2021).
Autocratic Leadership
This is the opposite of democratic leadership. In this leader doesn’t consult and take any
suggestions and views of the employees before taking any decision.
Transactional Leadership
In this, bonuses and incentives are given to the employees after achieving a certain number of
output. This leadership is commonly seen in sales and marketing companies. It helps in
motivating the employees to increase their productivity and earn an extra income as well.
3. Understand theories of motivation
3.1 An explanation of major theories of motivation
Some theories of motivation are discussed below:
Maslow’s Theory
Fig 5: Maslow Theory
This theory comprises the most basic and common needs that human being requires. Maslow
has explained it hierarchically. These needs are described in different levels starting from the

lowest to the highest level (3.3 Motivation theories, 2021). The hierarchy level is discussed
below:
 Physiological needs- It includes water, food, shelter, sleep, etc. which are required for
survival.
 Social- It includes friendship, relatives, family, association, etc.
 Esteem- It includes self-respect, status, recognition, confidence, etc.
 Self-Actualization- It includes personal growth, enhances career, learning, etc.
Herzberg’s Theory
It is a two-factor theory that was proposed in the 1950sby Frederick Herzberg. He noticed
that there are two factors by which a person can be motivated.
 Hygiene- It includes growth, work atmosphere, salary, job safety, etc. If these are not
achieved by a person, it makes them dissatisfied and dejected.
 Motivators- It includes promotion, bonus, status, achievement, recognition, etc. These
factors motivate a person to work more diligently to attain better performance
(Motivation Theories [5 Famous Motivation Theories], 2021).
3.2 Key factors that motivate and demotivate individuals in work situations
Factors that motivate employees in an organization are:
Incentives- After completion of a certain target, bonuses and incentives in any form motivate
the employees to a great extent. It brings satisfaction to them that their work is being
appreciated and urges them to work harder for more such incentives.
Training- As nothing is constant and new methods and technologies are coming regularly,
training helps them to keep them updated with the current world and increase their
effectiveness in doing work.
Recognition- Appreciating and recognizing the work of the employees motivates them
immensely. It brings out loyalty from the employees as the recognition and respect remain in
the person's mind for a long period.
Factors that demotivate are:
Conflict- Regular conflicts among the employees make the work environment unhealthy and
hostile and demotivate the employees to carry on their duties.
Poor management- Needless laws and rules and the impractical burden of work would make
any person demotivated. Poor management ultimately is responsible for the failure of any
project.

No or less scope for growth- Inadequate growth opportunities, not appreciating the
achievements, stagnant pay and promotions and job insecurity force the employee to look for
work elsewhere.
Fig 6: Demotivating factors
4. Know the principles of effective delegation to team members
4.1 Explain what delegation is and the difference between delegation and the abdication
of responsibilities
As a person cannot do all the tasks by himself, delegation means when team leaders or
managers pass the assigned duties and responsibilities to the team members or other staff
members (Delegation: Definition, Characteristics, Elements and Types, 2021). Delegation
goes from top-level to lower level i.e. superiors or team lead delegate the responsibilities to
the team members or subordinates where the actual execution of work is done.
Abdication refers to failure to do the duty or task assigned to a person or a person who is
unwilling to do his assigned work. It also means no supervision of the work, and without this
employee does not take their work seriously.
Delegation is different from abdication. In delegation, when you delegate the work and
responsibility to the subordinates, the manager or team leader supervises it and gets regular
updates and information about the work. But in abdication, after assigning the work, the
manager forgets to follow up and has no information about it (Conversations on Leadership
with Ken Blanchard, 2021).
4.2 Describe the benefits and risks of delegation for both the manager and the team
Benefits of delegation for both manager and team are:
Fig 7: Benefits of delegation
Increases efficiency- By delegating the work who has better skill and knowledge to do that
task increases the efficiency of the project. It lessens the stress of the manager and saves time
and money for the project (Advantage and Disadvantage of Effective delegation skills?
2021).

Develop team – Delegation allows the team members to get involved in the crucial projects
and help to develop their skills. It helps to develop team spirit and strong bond among the
employees.
Risks of delegation for both manager and team are:
Fig 8: Risks of delegation
Trust issue- Some managers think that they can do everything and don’t trust their
subordinates. This increases the pressure on the manager and he may not be able to anything
on time.
Lack of interest- Delegating the same routine work daily may create an unhealthy
environment and employees may lack interest in doing their duties. Employees may also feel
that manager is delegating the work just because the task is boring (Admin, 2021).
5. Know how to influence others
5.1 Explain what influencing is and how it operates in your working life
Influencing is an art by which a person can change another person’s perspective and way of
thinking (Definition of Influencing Skills in Business, 2021). Factors to build positive
influence in the workplace are:
Fig 9: How to influence others
Communication
If the manager or team leader communicates his thoughts and views clearly and effectively,
he will be able to influence the team members in a better way (Definition of Influencing
Skills in Business, 2021).
Reward power
This is one of the easiest ways through which employees can be influenced to achieve
personal targets as well as those of the organization (Definition of Influencing Skills in
Business, 2021).
Linguistic Intelligence
If a person can read, write, and communicates in different languages, he would be capable to
influence a greater audience and could connect with them effectively.

5.2 Describe the action and behaviors you need to demonstrate when you attempt to
influence others.
Fig 10: Figures and actions to influence others
 Active listening- In communication, listening is as important as speaking. Employees
should be encouraged to speak openly and honestly and their suggestions should listen
carefully. (7 Ways to Build Influence in the Workplace, 2021).
 Feedback- Taking the feedback from the employees after the work played a big role
in influencing them as they would feel appreciated and valued that their suggestions are
being taken and considered.
 Be flexible- A manager should not be very strict and stubborn as this will turn the
employees against their manager or leader and limit his influence over the others.
5.3 Explain the negotiation process
The negotiation process can be defined as a process where people come together to clear the
issues by compromising by avoiding any conflicts
Preparation: Decisions are to be taken regarding who will attend the meeting, time, and
identify the venue related to it. If the preparation is done early, it helps in the smooth
negotiation process.
Discussion: In this, both parties exchange the information and their views. Both sides share
their interests and what demands the product or services. One should listen to the other party
carefully without interruption and both sides should have a fair chance to present themselves.
Clarification: In this, both parties clarify and discuss their disagreements and conflicting
points. Without this, misunderstanding may happen which will act as an obstacle in reaching
the outcome.
Bargaining towards a win-win situation: The best outcome is the win-win situation
although it may not possible every time. A party may have to agree to the other best
alternative and tries to accept a fair offer. (2011-2021, 2021).
Agreement and implementation: In this, both parties reach an agreement, and the deal is
closed and the contract is signed. Expectations of both parties are discussed and commitment
is given to obey the contract. At last, implementation of the deal is carried out.
6. Know how to build and maintain interpersonal relationships with colleagues

6.1 Explain the importance of creating good interpersonal relationships at work
Interpersonal relation means strong rapport and harmony among the employees working in
the same firm (Importance of Interpersonal Relationship at Workplace, 2021).
 A single person cannot do all the work by himself. Therefore, Employees working together
can help the manager in taking better decisions, making better strategies, and also splitting
the work among themselves.
 It increases trust and helps in creating a friendly working atmosphere. This helps in carrying
out the work smoothly which increases the efficiency and productivity of the employees.
this brings higher performance in work of employee.
6.2 Explain the difference between positive, negative, and constructive feedback
There are three types of feedback which are discussed below:
Fig 12: Types of feedback
Positive feedback- In this, the performance of the person is appreciated and a positive
response is given for the services provided. It indicates that the person or organization is
moving in the right direction.
Negative feedback- In this, a person or organization is told that they have not done a good job
and change the way they are executing the work. Criticism and mentioning of weaknesses are
part of negative feedback.
Constructive feedback- It is a balance between positive and negative feedback. This feedback
is like a supportive one where a person is appreciated for a good job and at the same time, he is
told the areas where he needs to improve. (Constructive Feedback - Learn How to Effectively
Give Feedback, 2021)
6.3. Describe the indications and common causes of disagreement in work teams
Major causes of disagreements and conflicts in work teams are:
Fig 13: Causes of disagreement at work
Unrealistic workload and target- Sometimes managers set unrealistic targets on the
employees which increases the workload immensely and employees do not time for their
personal needs which causes conflicts in the workplace (Causes of conflict in the workplace |
nibusinessinfo.co.uk, 2021).
Poor communication- By not clearly expressing the objectives and expectations to the
employees, they may not be able to do the task correctly and the manager and employees

blame each other for the poor results (6 Common Causes of Workplace Conflict and How to
Avoid Them, 2021).
6.4 Explain the approaches people use to resolve conflict situations in work teams
Ways to resolve conflicts in the workplace are:
Fig 14: Ways to resolve conflicts
Listen carefully- Listen carefully and attentively to the other person not with the purpose to
react but to understand him. Try not to interrupt the other while he is speaking (How to
Handle Conflict in the Workplace, 2021).
Meet and talk face to face- Schedule a meeting with each other and ask the other person his
convenient place and time for the meeting. Try to meet where no one can barge in. Both
should give time to each other to speak.

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