Controlling the Team

For complete information on the eleven leadership competencies, order Resources for Leadership.

This competency enables a learner to:

• Identify two forces influencing control of the group.
• List three actions a leader can take that influence the behavior of the group.
• List three factors influencing a leader's ability to control the group.
• List three methods a leader can use to recognize and reward member's contributions to the group's tasks and goals.
• List three methods a leader can use to correct members who are not contributing to the group's tasks and goals.
• List three methods a leader can use to influence group member's attitudes
• List three characteristics of a good group facilitator.
• Name two methods a leader can use to control large groups, or groups of groups,

About Controlling the Group

A group exists for a purpose. Control is the throttle on the group's engine—the energy that gives it direction. As a leader exerts control, he balances getting the job done and keeping the team together.

To effectively control the team, a leader:

1. Sets the pace. The most effective leader is out in front, demonstrating their willingness to do anything asked of team members. An effective leaders always sets an excellent example.
2. Observes.  Observes the team, communicates with the members, is available, but does not dominate.  Give suggestions for improvement rather than orders.
   
3. Instructs.  Communicate clearly. As a Manager of Learning, allow members to use their own initiative.  Correct mistakes with respect and without passing judgement. If the work is going well, do not intrude. If required, provide direct assistance and additonal instruction.
   
4. Counsels.  Be ready to help individuals with specific needs. Encourages all members to give their best.
   
5. Inspects.  Keeps a positive attitude and does not criticize.  Praises good work, quietly offers suggestions to correct errors. 
   
6. Reacts.  Recognizes that responsibility for failure is on the leader, while the responsibility for success rests on the memers. Remains humble and continually strives to serve the team.

Controlling Team Performance is a close companion of the competency Setting the Example. Coordinating individual efforts for collective purpose is externally and internally controlled—by the leader and each individual. Setting the Example is a personal, internal manner of control that we hope others will model (when it's positive and appropriate).

Control is most often an overt behavior of the leader. There are specific actions a leader can take to exert influence over a team. The leader in a team deploys the people in his patrol in a manner to promote control, breaking up destructive cliques, to encourage greater participation, etc. He stands at certain times to maintain or assert control. He counsels an individual to help him "set a better example."