Singing together

The 'Effective Leader' course encourages team work

Not everyone manages people effectively.

Have you ever been part of a team where the boss just shouts when things go wrong? It doesn't really help, does it?

Team members get surly and disgruntled and everything gets worse.

The boss may be under pressure to meet deadlines, score goals or achieve targets so there's a lot to think about.

The people in the team may be a low priority - but that's the first mistake.

A team needs people who are all singing from the same song sheet.

BP takes training seriously.

When staff take on something new, they are trained to do it properly.

So when people start to manage teams they go on a course to learn all about it.

Just think...

Why do you think it's important for team members to work well together?

Think of a team you know which isn't managed very well. What effect does it have?

Join the choir

The members of the Effective Leader course are put in the position of people who are learning something new.

They are led through the process by experienced trainers who know exactly what they are trying to achieve.

Using music as the focus takes everyone out of the working environment - so everyone is on a level playing field.

Course members are under some pressure. They have to remember new words and sing in front of others!

Fortunately, the quality of the singing is not important! What matters is achieving the outcomes.

Just think...

Why do you think it is important to put people on a level playing field at the start of the course?

How is the process the course members are going through like a work situation?

Making music

The course aims to help people meet the objectives.

It might be singing a song, running an office based team or getting the oil from a drilling rig to the shore.

The trainers are trying to get some simple messages across to the group.

Most people learn better through practical experience. They remember what they've done.

When they are faced with a problem at work, the events on the course are more likely to come to mind than words they've read in a book.

What will they remember?

Adrian, the conductor

• was full of enthusiasm
• set clear objectives
• wasn't critical
• made sure people knew exactly what to do
• trusted the team members
• listened to them
• praised them
• gave them confidence

Just think...

How did Adrian's approach help people to do a good job?

How does the role of a team member differ from a team leader?

Why is it important for team members and team leaders to understand the pressures facing each other?

How does Adrian's approach fit into Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Hitting the top notes

BP puts a lot of trust in teams.

As one of the country's biggest businesses it has to find efficient ways to work if it to keep its stakeholders happy.

A very large organisation can't control everything from the top so teams are critical to success.

Team leaders have to motivate their team members but the leaders have to be motivated too.

The company needs to plan how motivation is built into its strategy if it is to achieve its targets.

Just think...

Have a look at BP's website.

What are the company's objectives?

How do you think increasing motivation will help it to meet its objectives?

How will it help to keep its stakeholders happy?

How would improving motivation help a business that you know?