A631.4.4.RB - INSEAD Reflection

I think that one of the biggest benefits of a self-managed team is the developmental opportunities that the team members have with one another. They are expected to communicate effectively, develop relationships, delegate and plan work assignments, and operate seamlessly as a team. This experience allows them to develop one another and immerse themselves in learning opportunities that they would not get in other capacities. Another benefit is being able to truly succeed and fail as a team, which promotes teamwork, learning, and relationship-building. Self-managed teams may be closer than any other team based on the nature and scope of their work. One major drawback is having to diffuse problems and strategizing to remove obstacles within the team without the help of a manager, at least not on a regular basis. There are times when peers and teammates fail to come to a resolution and managers are necessary.

I would very much enjoy working within a self-managed team. I respond very well to autonomy afforded to me from leadership, and this is typical in self-managed teams. I also enjoy brainstorming with teammates, sharing work assignments, and collaborating with peers and teammates to solve problems. I do, however, think that the autonomy of self-managed teams is by far the most attractive benefit to me. If the relationships and teamwork are there, there does not have to be a leader 99% of the time because the team will overcome any obstacle within the group.

I feel that one of the main competencies I would need to develop to be the outside manager of a self-managed team is giving the team the autonomy to take on projects and tasks by themselves. I am by no means a micro-manager, but I like to be involved in certain processes of the teams that I do manage. This is because I am naturally a curious and detail-oriented person who enjoys observing and interacting with others, so it would be hard for me to completely hand over all control of work assignments, projects, communication, and interaction to the team. The outside manager serves as a coach for the team, and I think I would be an effective coach if I could get over the fact of giving the team almost complete independence.