Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

Austin, Taking turns is a wonderful best-practice! Not only does it ensure accountability and preparation on their part, it develops their presentation and leadership skills. It also helps you, as the team leader, to assess skills and weaknesses and gives you an insight into areas where you could help your employees develop. By establishing clear times when each will be the leader, they are less likely to be concerned about being the leader all the time. Dr. Jamie Morley

Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

Team Engagement

Patrick, Are you referring to the annual human resource evaluation process or something different? 360 reviews are very popular and enlightening. I have some great resources I can share if this is what you are referring to. Dr. Jamie Morley

Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

The Challenge of Teambuilding

Jennifer, This is a very common concern. Many companies have set up internal web pages where teams can view information, get kudos, and participate in threaded discussions with other employees. Just as students need peer interaction, so do employees. Technology enables us to bond in many unique ways. It may not be as ideal as a group outing, but it facilitates communication and collaboration. Dr. Jamie Morley

Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

Team Engagement

Jennifer, I agree with you! By consistently sending out agendas and â€œpre-workâ€ before meetings, staff will get used to evaluating topics before having to speak about their opinion in public. It is also helpful to post the minutes timely after the meeting so the staff has the opportunity to evaluate new ideas or information that was presented. Dr. Jamie Morley

Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

The Challenge of Teambuilding

Carmella, It is always difficult to be promoted from within. But it is a wonderful thing -- so concratulations! There is one piece of advice I always give to new managers. DonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t be afraid to ask your experienced team members for guidance. A manager does not need to know everything. Sometimes, new managers feel that asking their employees questions makes them look weak. In reality, it shows that you are comfortable in your role and have respect for all opinions. The people that used to be your peers will appreciate your extra effort and make it easier to accept you… >>>

Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

Team Engagement

Althea , Interesting idea. Do you have an example of a team building assignment that has been successful for you in the past? Dr. Jamie Morley

Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

Improving Team Performance

Sharon, Good points! Another important aspect to remember is to remind your team that the situation is temporary. Nobody wants to feel that they are being taken advantage of, and yet most good team members will go the extra mile to help out during unusual situations â€“ like you are short-staffed or have a tight deadline. As long as you communicate that their efforts are appreciated and that a plan is in place to ensure that they are not overworked forever, you are likely to have team members that are willing to do what is needed. Dr. Jamie Morley

Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

Improving Team Performance

Sharon, You make several good points Sharon. Communication is essential to the functioning of a team. Often times a leader will get so busy implementing the teamÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s ideas that he or she does not communicate to the team which ideas were accepted and which ones were not. Having regular meetings and taking good minutes is an easy way to keep everybody in the know! You also touch on the importance of empowerment. Leaders have different authority levels and sometimes may not be empowered to empower their team to the degree that they would like. In that case, praise and communication… >>>

Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

Team Leader

Stephanie, You are correct that adaptability is an important trait for a leader to possess. Do you believe that a person can be taught skills to make them more adaptable or do you feel that adaptability is a trait that you are born with? I look forward to your response. Dr. Jamie Morley

Jamie Morley

Discussion Comment

The Virtual Team Coach

Patricia, Good question! It depends on your relationship with the employee. If you feel comfortable, you could ask them in private if they would be willing to share information about their culture with the group. Another option would be to research cultural norms and distribute the information to the group by email outside of the meeting. Better yet, discuss this with your HR department and get their assistance in helping you maximize cultural awareness in your group. Dr. Jamie Morley