In self-managed teams much of the responsibility and authority for making management decisions are turned over to a group of people who perform interdependently in order to accomplish an assigned task.
Self-managed teams offer a number of potential advantages that could be used at Sandwich Blitz; including stronger commitment, employee and customer satisfaction, improved quality, enhanced efficiency, and faster product and service development. Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks, one in which self-managed teams are difficult to implement and they risk failure when used in inappropriate situations or without sufficient leadership or support. Some organizations have been disappointed with the results from self-managing teams.
In the case of Sandwich Blitz, it could work to a certain extent, such as having the team members cross-trained to do various jobs which probably would increase the flexibility of the team in dealing with personnel shortages and some of the “little fires”, Dalman had to put out. Therefore, implementing Dalman’s and Lei’s knowledge of work processes with the teams would help the team members solve problems and develop improvements; it would also probably help lower any absenteeism that may have existed in the past, which would make available some of Dalman’s and Lei’s time.
However, Dalman would have to select team members in which he would feel comfortable with, the latitude of issues that would need to be handled, and the continued existence of the team. As stated above, self-managed teams are difficult to implement, and Dalman would need to take that into consideration and be willing to invest some of his time into developing the team and then removing himself once he feels comfortable with team doing the work.
Therefore as stated above, training will need to be provided to help teams regroup and to do most or all of the jobs in the unit. The self-managed teams will learn to reach that point of being truly self-managed and become comfortable with a new level of authority. This type of atmosphere leads to many positive benefits; like improved labor relations, improved employee morale and improved performance levels. It will also build trust and inspire teamwork because they will be making group decisions that will develop individual performance; not only will it develop individual performance, but also it will help them to solve conflicts without needing to go to top management to solve the issues. It will also provide positive leadership and implement change.
Therefore, if Dalman and Lei are willing to invest a little time in selecting and implementing the self-managed teams, this will leave them the time needed to devote to growing their business.