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The self-directed work team is usually thought of as a "leaderless" group of workers who take the place of supervisors and fulfill many management functions.
However, many of the attempts to install self-directed work teams have failed because the teams have neither the skill or the experience to ensure their successful outcome.
There are some guidelines, if followed, which can increase the success of self-directed teams. Some of the guidelines are not simple and do take some work but they can decrease the mistakes management often makes in trying to develop teams.
1. Have a well thought-out vision of how these teams will fit into the scheme of the entire organization. A common vision of the leadership must be in place and supported by everyone in management with a complete understanding of the concept of...