ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the methods which leaders can use to ensure that their team (whether an executive team, an operational team, or a field team) operates effectively. The emphasis is placed upon providing processes which facilitate team engagement and which influence effective outcomes. The opening sections focus on further defining what processes are (building on previous chapters), so that leaders understand the difference between activities and flow, the importance of defining process purpose, and the concept of processes and sub-processes. The core of the chapter provides practical methods for teams to use at work, which can be facilitated by the leader. Differing types of processes are presented so that the reader can visualise the difference between task processes (work), team processes (interactions between people in groups), and individual processes (personal mental and developmental processes) previously introduced in Chapter 8. Against this, the competences and habits for ensuring effective team engagement are discussed. Examples of team processes used in practice are presented to give an understanding of the approach to follow when using particular methods (situation assessment, decision-making, problem-solving planning, plan protection). A section on process management, a commonly discussed but poorly understood aspect of leadership, is included.
