Our client’s management team had several new members, and a resulting higher level of diversity. This was potentially good as our observation was that prior to the new team members, the business had found itself both in a rut and lacking innovation.
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Unlocking Management Team Effectiveness
Problems
Effective management teams leverage diversity of experiences, competencies, and perspectives. Many of us have seen firsthand the disadvantages of “group think”, where a team gets stuck in their own bubble. Where a lack of diversity of thought has resulted in opportunities being missed and risks being realised.
Yes, competitive advantage often comes from wondering what could be and breaking the “rules” of the industry.
Our client’s management team had several new members, and a resulting higher level of diversity. This was potentially good as our observation was that prior to the new team members, the business had found itself both in a rut and lacking innovation. Our view was supported by business performance, a gradual loss of market share over the last few years, and competitors who had beaten our client to market in product development.
During our attendance at a regular management team meeting, we saw both the team leader and team members struggling with the new dynamics where traditionally held views and paradigms were being challenged. The team was unsure on how to deal with what some saw as “dissenters”. Progress in team effectiveness was stalling. The business culture was ineffective, valuing harmony over improvement.
Through short one-on-one conversations with individual team members, a common realisation emerged. That each team member was internalising how they felt about what was being said at the meeting. That the shorter the time spent discussing opposing views the better the harmony within the team. A sort of “quiet acceptance”.
Solution
At the next team meeting, we facilitated a structured discussion on constructive conflict behaviors.The team developed behavioral standards for the team leader and team members.A simple set of short statements was created to provide license to act in particular ways.
Outcomes
Over the following two months the business worked through its annual planning process. With the added capacity to fully utilise the diversity within the management team, the resulting business strategy provided a clear, actionable pathway for significant business performance. Gone was incrementalism in everything, and in was targeted step change improvement where the most enterprise value would be created.
If you are seeking a much higher level of effectiveness in your management team, Stoke Consulting offers tailored solutions to meet your needs.
Kevin Wallace
Stoke Consulting
Kevin guides business leaders through their toughest challenges to achieve their goals. With a deep understanding of organisational issues and a broad business knowledge base, Kevin is a valuable external asset to any team. His talent for deep listening helps him uncover root causes and develop tailored solutions. Kevin thrives on complexity and brings proven concepts, applied experience, and personalisation to every project.
