Self-managed teams are awesome but rare. We typically look to a leader for the vision, values and direction. Leaders are great, however when individuals work together, teams will form, develop and change as the need arises.
During my Leadership work at Trinity Western University we shared, learned and breathed Servant Leadership. We were taught to consistently serve the vision, mission and values. We were taught to lead as the need arises, but to be cognizant that a Servant Leader only takes the lead when necessary. Your goal as a Servant Leader is to serve.
As a closing exercise, we divided into teams, each with a canoe on a bay on the West Coast of Canada. Most of us had never paddled a team canoe before. We struggled, made mistakes and learned to paddle in a reasonable direction without a formal leader. The two hour experience was awesome. Charan, Carey and Useem illustrate that “The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra performs Beethoven symphonies without a conductor. Special Forces conduct combat missions without a commissioned officer” (Boards that Lead).
Today, I experienced a Self-Managed Team. We were on a beautiful acreage South of Edmonton. The guests, flowers and food arrived on schedule. Without instruction, all vehicles parked by the highway. As we watched, teams developed, finished a task and disbanded without conference or direction. Volunteers finished the tent, moved chairs, put the many bouquets of flowers in place, tested microphones and music. The ‘Jigsaw pieces’ of the event fit together seamlessly. At the appointed time, we all took our seats, the Pastor and Groom stood on the hill overlooking the valley, the bride arrived and the day was on.
As we drove home, it became obvious there wasn’t a formal leadership hierarchy. All guests were committed to the Vision, Mission and Values of the day. We all knew the resource people, but there was no need for meetings, stress and last minute debate or discipline sessions. When something was missing, everyone searched for solutions and creativity emerged.
Leadership is changing, building teams and re-forming as the need arises.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com