20th Century Management Thought taught decision-makers that there was a dichotomy between leadership and management. This contrast has led people to believe that the roles of leaders and managers are different. When decision-makers apply this concept to operations, they only perform at 50% of their full potential.
21st Century Management Thought describes how leadership and management functions need to be integrated, not separated. The management process requires applying conceptual skills, which can assist managers with understanding complex situations and strategically developing creative solutions. Leadership requires interpersonal skills, which is the ability to interact and work positively with people in a manner that establishes strong relationships. Failing to integrate Leadership and Management skill sets is why some managers fail at Team Building.
Team Building requires a manager to continuously implement an innovative plan that motivates employees to achieve a vision. We teach our clients how to apply Dr. Bruce Tuckman’s Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing model in a cyclical manner that correlates with the Kuji Kiri [九 手 兆し] (i.e., nine hand signs), a psychometric tool.
This cyclical method teaches managers that as soon as a new variable (i.e., hiring a new employee, an unanticipated crisis, new directives from upper management, etc.) occurs, your team will immediately move from the Performing stage to the Forming stage. This method fosters continuous improvement and gives managers the awareness of a linear progression, which is the fallacy of thinking that your team will always remain in the Performing stage.
An example of how the Kuji Kiri is integrated into the Tuckman model is as follows:
Earth (土) FORMING
Managers can coach employees with the Earth Element Technique by grounding their mindsets to teach their employees to become critical thinkers. Remember, when using the Earth Element Technique, use rationality to assist employees with maintaining professionalism under challenging situations.
Fire (火) STORMING
Managers can coach employees with the Fire Element Technique by spreading their contagious passion to achieve goals to ignite their hidden passions. Remember, when using the Fire Element Technique, use your energy to take actions that will drive continuous improvements in employee performance.
Water (水) NORMING
Managers can coach employees with the Water Element Technique by guiding them to a problem’s solution by asking questions instead of telling the employee what to do. Remember, when using the Water Element Technique, use your creativity to guide employees to flow into action.
Wind (風) PERFORMING
Managers can coach employees with the Wind Element Technique by exercising their trust in their employees to make the correct decisions. Remember, when using the Wind Element Technique, have faith in the employee development training you provide your staff.
The Kuji Kiri Psychometric Tool for Team Building is taught in our courses because leadership drives all actions for decision-makers in all industries. To attend any of our Virtual Seminars, click on this button:
Why Do Managers Fail at Team Building?
