Effective Team Leadership: Strategies and Techniques for Success

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LEAD TEAM EFFECTIVENESS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Assessment Task 1: Written Questions...........................................................................................3
Assessment Task 3.........................................................................................................................12
References......................................................................................................................................13
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Assessment Task 1: Written Questions
1)
A SMART goal refers to giving direction to the individual who wants to achieve something
(Renz, 2016). A well-formulated goal is significant to identify so that successful attainment can
be done. SMART goals refer to:
Specific: To target a particular area where improvement is required.
In this, the goal is clearly and concisely specified. This outlines, what is required to be achieved.
Measurable: It refers to the key indicator that can be used for progress.
This includes the capability to track the progress of the goal.
Assignable/ attainable: To specify who is responsible for the accomplishment of the task.
The goals must be set challenging and difficult but it must be attainable and achievable.
Realistic: The goal can be achievable by the given resources.
This states that the set goals must be relevant to the overall life plan.
Timeliness: When the results can be achieved (Thorpe, 2016)
The goal must have a target finish time attached.
2)
HARD goals refer to those that are difficult and challenging along with hard to achieve. These
goals help in checking that the constructed goals are purposeful and meaningful. These goals
motivate and encourage creating a sense or emotion towards the goal.
Heartfelt
This word of the goal describes that the strong will be an attachment for the goals to the heart;
there are more chances that you will pursue it.
Animated
This refers to the visualization of the goal or connecting the goal deeply. A strong picture of life
will encourage working more dedicatedly in order to achieve the goal (Amanchukwu, et al.
2015).
Required
This emphasizes on the question that it is really necessary to attain the specific goal. A
requirement and need to encourage an individual to work towards that goal accomplishment.
Difficult
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Goals must be set difficult and challenging to set out from the comfort zone. Getting succeeded
in this criterion enhances the self-morale and helps in learning various new skills and things.
3)
As per the scenario, I am extremely busy in my work and I do not have enough time to
accomplish all work by myself and in this situation, I am required to delegate the task. This can
be done by adopting various ways. Delegation generally refers to the transference of work
responsibility for a task. In delegating tasks, one should have effective communication skills,
trust and emphasized towards giving feedback and assessment of task.
In order to accomplish the work in the given deadline, it is required for me to delegate the task to
the right person and this can be done by adopting the following ways:
 Picking the right person for a particular job
 Matching the requirements of the task to the ability and competencies of that person
 Delegate effectively with clear communication
 Explain the clear outcomes
 Delegate with proper discussion and participation
 Delegate to develop talent
Apart from this, the six levels of delegations are:
Level one – Giving pure instructions and guidelines regarding the tasks
Level two- Asking for analysis (Hallinger and Wang, 2015)
Level three- Allowing analysis and taking shared decisions
Level four- Control the timing but trust the person to assess the situation
Level five- Grant the control of actions that are required to take
Level six- Taking follow up
4)
After passing the responsibility to that person, I would do proper planning and also emphasize
effective communication. This will lead that person to have a clear understanding regarding what
should be done, and activities are to be undertaken for the goal accomplishment. Proper
communication even after a delegation of the tasks will help in ensuring that the work is
completing as per the predetermined planning. Moreover, I will take proper feedback from that
person. This step will help in knowing the progress of the task and also any other obstacle and
confusions can be eliminated (if any) that are interrupting the work. Also, after the delegation of
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the tasks, it is my responsibility to encourage and motivate the person in order to enhance his
morale and confidence. This will improve the effectiveness of work and also task can be attained
within the required time. Hence, these are some of the key responsibilities that I am required to
perform after a delegation of tasks such as effective communication, proper planning, taking
feedback, evaluating the availability of resources, identifying confusions an obstacles and
removing them, adopting motivational techniques, etc.
5). (a)
It is identified from the scenario, that the team of four members is quite effective and highly
skilled. As a leader of this team, I am required to delegate work for a new project. This can be
done by me by talking about various steps. This can be done by me identifying the key skills,
competencies and interest area of the team members. This will help me in knowing the strength
of the members so that the specialization in that task can be attained. Moreover, as a leader of
that team which is efficient, I would adopt a democratic leadership style, i.e. welcome the
suggestions of the team members and encourage their participation and involvement. I will
allocate the tasks to the team members by encouraging their views and engagement. Allocation
of the work after their participation will increase their trust level, and confidence along with the
work can be done within lesser time.
Hence, I will encourage team participation and involvement to allocate the work efficiently and
quickly. Also, I will consider their suggestions and views by adopting a democratic leadership
style so that they can feel comfortable as I am the newly appointed leader of the team.
(b)
There are various types of leadership styles present, that can be adopted by me as per the case
scenario. These can be a democratic leadership style, autocratic leadership style, laissez-faire
leadership style, charismatic, situational, etc (Armstrong, 2016).
In accordance with the given context, the democratic style will be most suitable, and it can be
adopted. This is because the team members are skilled and efficient and there is no such any
requirement to rule them. They are efficient and knowledgeable enough to work quickly and
efficiently.
The democratic or participative leadership style would work best because it fits well with the
current ideas of engagement and empowerment of staff and it fosters creativity and innovation.
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Democratic leadership style is the most suitable approach when the leaders are dealing with
highly skilled and experienced employees. It is essential for the leaders to encourage the
participation of the team members in the planning and decision making the process as they are
capable of suggesting creative ways and ideas.
Apart from this, based on the dynamics of this group, the democratic leadership style is
appropriate because it creates a shared vision and goal and increases the commitment level.
6)
The three main types of leadership style are Laissez-faire leadership, democratic and autocratic
leadership style (Pardey, 2016). The first and foremost style, i.e. Laissez-faire leadership is a
style in which the leaders use a hands-off approach, and the employees are allowed to make
decisions at their own. On the other hand, democratic leadership style is a kind when the leaders
encourage the participation and involvement of employees. There are various advantages
associated with this kind of leadership styles like higher employee morale and stronger employee
commitment to established goals.
Apart from these leadership styles, the autocratic leadership style restricts the involvement and
engagement of employees in decision making. In such a style, the leaders are the only one who is
responsible and authorized to make decisions and the employees have to obey and follow their
decisions. This style helps in enhancing the work efficiency, and also the employees are aware of
the expectation of leaders (Noe, et al. 2017). However, the cons associated with the autocratic
leadership style are that it discourages employees from thinking and also creates job
dissatisfaction.
7)
The steps of the negotiation process include:
 Preparation
 Information exchange
 Bargaining
 Concluding
 Execution
In the first step of negotiation, i.e. preparation and planning, the potential value is identified, and
facts are developed. Also, in this stage, gathering information, understand the people involved,
know the objective, plan is done. After that, in the information exchange stage, the critical
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assessments are trustworthiness, likeability, alignment of interests, competency etc (Donate and
de Pablo, 2015).
In the bargaining phase of the process, the strategy is to convince the other party for your
demands. For this, logical thinking, clear thought process, and planned arguments are required.
To conclude or to reach a conclusion is the next step of the negotiation process where the two
parties reach a conclusion. It is the stage of commitment. In the next and last phase of the cited
process, i.e. execution and implementation, various promises are made in order to strengthen the
relationship and build trust.
8)
I have previously worked in Coles supermarket, Australia as a trainee.
Goals
The goal of the organization is to provide an excellent shopping experience to the people of
Australia along with delivering value, service, and quality.
Objectives
 Enhance sales volume
 Improve customer services
Main plans
 Expand product line
 Target more customers
9) (a)
As a leader of the team, the team problems can be referred to the supervisor only when the
situation is out of control and to manage and handle the conflicts of the team is not in the hands
of the team leader. Thus, as a team leader, I believe that the problem and conflicts of a team
should be communicated to the supervisor when I have not any authority to deal with that
problem of the team.
(b)
It is important to ensure various team issues are followed up with line managers as they are
responsible for dealing with the problems of employees. Moreover, they are also required to
assign tasks, monitor the quality of work, managing the workflow etc. Thus, line managers can
efficiently resolve team issues and problems.
(c)
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In order to address this issue, firstly, I will communicate to my team regarding the cited issue,
i.e. providing ineffective services to clients. I will try to identify the reason behind this cause. I
will also welcome the suggestion and feedback of the team members concerning this issue.
Furthermore, if any team members have any issues or problems regarding anything, I will try to
resolve them or help him in addressing that issue. Moreover, I will motivate and inspire them to
serve the best services to the clients. Apart from these actions, I will conduct a training needs
analysis to identify the training requirements and also set performance standards for the team
members.
As a motivational technique, I will appreciate team member by implementing various ways of
healthy competition within team members.
10)
In order to resolve the problem of the team member, firstly I will listen to his problem and
consider it on the basis of my knowledge and understanding. I would suggest her to deal with the
problem under the guidelines and policies of the company in an efficient manner. Thus, I will
help him in resolving the problem by considering every aspect of the problem and developing a
variety of solutions. I will recommend him to implement the most suitable and effective
alternative to resolve the issue.
11)
When working with a team, it is essential to keep lines of communication open because these
tasks can be attained in a better way. Open line communication is a vital feature of the
organization (Chin, 2015). Moreover, transparency can be achieved, and conflicts can be
resolved easily. Any conflicts among the individuals within a team can be addressed efficiently
and quickly. Open lines of communication facilitate open door policy, encourages feedback,
eliminates work delays, avoid duplication of work, etc.
12)
a)
In order to reward a team member who does a great job, performance appraisal technique can be
used. The manager or team leader can evaluate the performance on the monthly or annual basis,
and then the best employee or performer can be rewarded. Thus, on the basis of performance, the
best team members can be rewarded.
b)
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The technique can be used to show that the contribution and participation of employees are
valued in the team are appreciation and recognition to the members in front of everyone (Bush,
2015). Also, the positive feedback that is received by the clients can be communicated to the
team members t encourage them.
c)
In order to encourage the team members to meet the set goals and targets, motivational
techniques can be used (By, et al. 2016). Tools such as rewards, promotions, recognition,
appreciation etc. are the motivational techniques that can be adopted by the organization.
d)
For completing a project ahead of schedule, the whole group can be rewarded by distributing
monetary benefits among them.
13)
(a)
In order to role model a positive contribution to the team, the ways can be:
 Communicate and interact with everyone
 Show respect and concern for everyone
 Engagement and participation in doing tasks
 Receiving and considering feedback
(b)
It is essential for the success of the organization that the clients think in a positive way about the
business. Thus, positive contribution and active participation enhance the quality of services
provided to the clients (Hallinger, 2018). Apart from this, with the positive contribution of the
employees and team members towards the operations of the organization, the complaints of the
clients can be resolved quickly. This improves the overall image of the organization.
14)
(a)
Innovation and creative ideas are the key requirements for the success and long term survival of
the business organization. Thus, it is essential for every business organization to encourage the
employees and team members for innovation. Hence, the ways are listed below:
Encourage brainstorming
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The company can allocate and provide time to organize brainstorming sessions for the team
members to encourage creative and innovative ideas (Bolden, et al. 2016). For this regular
workshops and team day out can be arranged. Moreover, the suggestion box can be put around
the workplace.
Promotion of fearless behavior
Employees can feel safe and fearless while sharing their new ideas only when they are provided
with the fearless work environment and behavior. They should not be discouraged for giving the
ineffective ideas, this can let their morale down, and they will not try again.
Reward innovative ideas
The team members can feel free to share their views only when they are encouraged and reward
for their efforts. Thus, they can be rewarded with various things such as monetary benefits, non-
monetary benefits, recognition etc.
Implementation of a strategy to execution
If an innovative idea cannot be applied practically, then it is not worthwhile. Also, if the
innovative ideas of other employees will take into execution, it will enhance the morale of other
employees too and help them in sharing their ideas. For this, open door policy should be adopted
by the company (Smith, et al. 2016). This will enable the employees and team members to
interact with the leaders or managers freely. After listening to their ideas, the company must
provide them with the time and resources to implement those ideas.
(b)
In order to encourage workplace productivity, various ways can be adopted.
Effective and efficient communication
Communication is an essential aspect of the business. Thus, it must be facilitated properly within
the organization for effective functioning and attaining goals.
Providing training and setting standards
Employees or team members can work efficiently only when they are skilled and competent.
This skill set can be attained by providing proper training to them. Also, establishing standards
and setting targets is also significant. This will act as a benchmark to the employees that this
criterion has to be met.
Use technology in a responsible manner
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In the present business environment, to ensure success, the use of modern and advanced
technology is important (Alsharo, et al. 2017). Moreover, there are various technologies present
to facilitate the managerial practices and work operations of the business organization. Thus, it is
essential to have the knowledge and to utilize software and hardware solutions so that employee
productivity can be enhanced.
Set clear goals and provide feedback
Employees feel more motivated when they are aware that they are required to achieve. Thus, the
company should emphasize on setting clear goals and having a vision that will work as guidance
for the team members of the company. Also, regular evaluation of the performance of employees
must be done to provide negative or positive feedback to get ensure that the work is getting done
as per the planning.
15)
The major purpose of planning in the organization is to attain the organizational objectives (van
der Haar, et al. 2015). Moreover, planning is beneficial for efficient use of resources, managing
risk, and uncertainty, creating competitive advantage etc.
Proper planning at the workplace facilitates effective allocation of resources in such a way that it
becomes possible to attain the predetermined goals. Also, a proper plan provides a tool to
manage uncertain and unforeseen events. With the availability of a proper plan, the uncertain
events can be dealt with efficiently. Apart from this, the key purpose of planning at the
workplace is to reduce the costs and eliminate the unproductive efforts along with maximizing
the output.
16)
Having a diverse workforce is significant for the whole organization as well as a team
(D’Innocenzo, et al. 2016). Diverse team members have various perspectives as people are from
different backgrounds and cultures. Thus, the team members can get to know about a variety of
cultures and their values. Also, team members can enhance their communication skills and
coordination skills.
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Assessment Task 3
The meeting objective can be providing training to the employees of the company in order to
enhance work productivity. Thus, the team can be supported by organizing training sessions.
Proper communication and interaction will be done in order to encourage the team members to
participate in the discussion. The issues recognized in the meeting can be the low-performance
standard of employees.
In order to meet organizational requirements, professional behavior will be adopted. The ideas
will be encouraged to conclude the decisions.
Line management must be involved to facilitate open communication within the organization and
emails or meetings will gather their feedback. The communication and interpersonal style can be
verbal and non-verbal. In the meeting, the English language will be used for all the participants,
and there will be some rules like switching off mobiles, no latecomers are allowed etc. Respect
and value can be demonstrated by listening and encouraging their views and ideas. There are
some ways to motivate participants to participate in the meeting are choosing the agenda, try
appealing their interest, etc. Furthermore, to resolve various issues, analytical thinking
techniques can be used like brainstorming.
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