Building a High Performing Management Team

Interventions to improve the way Management Teams work traditionally look at how well the various behavioural roles within the team are represented. Psychometric tools (such as the famous Team Roles Analysis created by Dr Meredith Belbin) are often used to educate managers and help them understand the benefits of having a well-balanced team.

Burton OD goes a step further by working with managers to help them identify their preferred management style - and then prepare feedback for one another on how they are doing.

This work provides opportunities for the team to clarify roles and expectations but goes further. It can be used simply to build the management team or as a starting point for turning round the managerial culture in an organisation.

This is how a typical project works:

Agree Management Style

The management team meets over a period of time to consider aspects of leadership and define how they wish to work together. With the help of an expert facilitator, they agree what management style is appropriate to the organisation.

Assess Self and Colleagues

All members of the team assess themselves and their colleagues using a questionnaire (electronic or paper based) developed from the agreed management style.

Facilitated Feedback

All members of the team prepare to feedback their assessment of their colleagues at a fully facilitated and carefully prepared session. The feedback is designed to be informative and developmental.

Individual Development Planning

Individual members of the team are provided time with the consultant to consider the implications of their self assessment and the feedback received from others. This reflection then forms the basis of an individual development plan.

Progess Review

The team meets to look at how it is progressing. Individual members of the team may maintain a relationship with the consultant as they develop their skills and managerial behaviour.