Eurostart project

Teamwork nowadays: empowerment

The concept of teamwork evolved pretty much over the
last decades. The following table shows some of the most significative
differences in the management of teamwork:

Organizations and Their Employees: Then and Now.

Source: https://www.myeducator.com/reader/web/885/chapter4/iw1qr/ch4_then_now/

Then Now
Employees were expected to follow orders and rules. Employees are encouraged to show initiative.
Employee alienation was not considered
problematical.
Employees are given maximum empowerment.
Teams were established by management. Teams are based on consensus.
Work groups followed directives. Work groups establish their own procedures.
Dissenting opinions were
suppressed.
Constructive criticism is
welcomed.
Personnel resources were exploited. Human resources are valued and optimized.
Management was autocratic. Management is increasingly
democratic.
Organizational structure was tall and
hierarchical.
Organizational
structure is flatter.
Personal needs were
ignored.
Personal growth and development are encouraged.

One of the major elements of
change could be resumed in one word: empowerment. Why this trend? While it
could appear easier to adopt a more authoritarian management style to make the
job done without losing time involving employees in the decision making, is
there a real benefit in teams’ empowerment? The answer is a big YES.

Empowering your employees and
involving them in decision processes is clearly a good idea. We explain you why
here:

First, it will reinforce the
sense of belonging of the team members. Which is directly linked with
motivation. The more the team is involved in a project, the more it will feel
the need to perform a good quality work. Also, as the team members increase
their engagement in the company, they might bring valuable inputs for your
start-up: new ideas that can open new business lines, innovation in products,
etc. Your team will be in general more productive and efficient, with a higher
sense of responsibility. Also, an empowered team will defend your business
toward the outside. As they will talk positively about your company, they will
provide better customer service, or attract new customers, as well as talented
new team members.

Also, while thinking about
work organisation and future project, why not involving your team in this
process?!

Also, to conclude this
article, some tips about team empowerment:

  • Share your goals
  • Be open to dialogue and new ideas
  • Involve the team in the decision making
  • Share responsibility
  • Recognize efforts and reward your team
  • Create a positive atmosphere and trust

To learn more about teamwork, visit the free
online course of EUROSTART project https://eurostart-project.eu/

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