Many of the Team Effectiveness theories point to the crucial role of leaders in the success of the team. Here are some models with some relevant thinking:
Hackman Model
The Hackman Model focuses on the critical role of leadership through expert coaching. The coach is responsible for providing guidance, support, and resources to help the team navigate challenges and improve performance. Effective leaders in this model need to create a supportive environment allowing team members to thrive. They focus on providing constructive feedback, facilitating problem-solving, and helping the team set and achieve meaningful goals. Coaches help team members develop their skills and capabilities and foster a culture of continuous improvement. It is also important that leaders be knowledgeable and skilled in their domain, as their expertise directly impacts the team’s ability to perform effectively. It is not just about directing tasks but also about nurturing the team’s growth and ensuring that each member can contribute to their fullest potential.
LaFasto and Larson Model
In the LaFasto and Larson Model, leadership is explicitly highlighted as a cornerstone of team effectiveness. It identifies “Team Leadership” as a critical component. Effective leaders are those who can inspire, motivate, and guide teams towards achieving common goals. Leaders need to create a clear vision, set high standards, and foster an environment of trust and collaboration. They also play a pivotal role in aligning the team’s efforts with the organization’s objectives and ensuring that each team member feels valued and engaged. Through direction and support, they help the team to navigate challenges and maintain focus on goals. It is important that leaders are adaptable and able to adjust their style to meet the needs of the team and the demands of the situation. Effective leadership is about balancing task-oriented and people-oriented approaches to achieve optimal team performance.
The Burke-Litwin Model
In this model, leadership is seen as a critical driver of change and performance. Leaders are responsible for shaping the culture of the whole organization, setting the strategic direction, and influencing both the behaviors and the attitudes of team members. Effective leaders are those who can inspire and motivate their teams, communicate a clear vision, and create an environment that supports innovation and continuous improvement. They are crucial players in aligning the organization’s structure and processes with the strategic goals. By fostering a positive organizational climate and addressing any barriers to performance, they can help to ensure that the team can both operate effectively and achieve its objectives. Leadership is not just about top-down directives but also about engaging and empowering team members to contribute to the organization’s success.
The T7 Model of Team Effectiveness
The T7 Model of Team Effectiveness explicitly incorporates leadership as a vital element in team success. This model identifies both “Thrust” and “Trust” as two of the seven key factors, each of which is heavily influenced by leadership. “Thrust” refers to the team’s shared commitment to a common goal. This is often driven by a leader’s ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision. Leaders are responsible for setting the direction and ensuring that all team members are aligned with the team’s objectives. “Trust” involves building a culture of mutual respect and reliability within the team. They foster trust by being transparent, consistent, and supportive, and creating an environment where team members feel safe to take risks and to express their ideas.
Along with this, the model also identifies “Leadership” as one of two external factors crucial to team effectiveness. This highlights the importance of leaders not only managing tasks and internal team dynamics, but also influencing and navigating the broader organizational context in which the team operates. Effective leadership should extend beyond the team, requiring leaders to interact with and manage external stakeholders, secure necessary resources, and also advocate for the team’s needs within the larger organization. Adding to this, we need to remember that leadership is not just about managing tasks but also about nurturing relationships and creating a cohesive, motivated team, along with leveraging external factors to support the team’s success.
The Team Effectiveness Leadership Model (TELM)
This model places a strong emphasis on the role of leadership in driving team performance. Great leaders can adapt their style to the specific needs of the team and the context in which they operate. Effective leaders are those who can assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses, then identify areas for improvement, and move to provide the necessary support and resources to enhance the team’s performance. They create a clear vision, work with the teams to set goals, and ensure that all parties have a shared understanding of its objectives. They also play a crucial role in fostering a positive team culture, promoting open communication, and resolving conflicts. They are responsive to the team’s needs and help create an environment where team members feel valued, motivated, and capable of achieving their best. Don’t forget that leadership is a dynamic and context-dependent process, requiring continuous assessment and adjustment to ensure team effectiveness.
