Art of "Managing Teams"
In the present fast-growing market scenario around the world,  building and leading our own high-performance team plays a key role in implementing any change management strategies.
Especially for those in transition from middle management to senior management, managing people is one of the most important criteria as a high-performing team drives the organization's progress. Yet, building and leading teams are highly complex and not always easy.
As a part of my PGPPro (EMBA Equivalent) studies at the Indian School of Business, along with my classmates, we had the course on "Managing Teams" taught by Professor Shad Morris.
We had thoughtful insights and heightened awareness of what it takes to exercise effective leadership at senior levels through key initiatives, effective execution, influencing, inspiring, empowering people, and managing change.
RAP framework - a simple and an effective way of coaching to improve team performance and develop high quality of leadership
One of the topics was the RAP framework concept - a simple way of conversation and effective methodology to review your team member's performance and inspire them to grow as leaders. This can be practiced candidly at the office with your teammates during a coffee break, post-lunch walks, walking to a meeting, not necessarily in a meeting room with a scheduled calendar invite.
Exercising RAP framework at the office
The dynamics of teamwork are too complex to be understood through readings and discussion alone. Before the classroom, the professor offered us the tool, explained how to practice the RAP framework at the office, and asked us to initiate sessions with peers and team members at the office. We were also asked to report on how it went, where we did well, and where to improve to impact team members positively. I had sessions with project team members with whom I work daily. I can tell that the conversation was so effective that we agreed to continue at frequent intervals.
The topic of conversation matters, hence the RAP framework
RAP framework helps you coach & focus on strength to improve performance
What is RAP framework?
R - Identify your team members' strengths & specific skills they do well. Continuously recognize for the good work they do and mutually find the gap - provide feedback to him/her to create an action plan for improvement
A - Provide coaching to team members to align their action plan towards the goals & objectives of the organization. Ensure help to him/her to create a plan to develop leadership skill
P - Provide a purpose and clarity to ensure that the individual understands how his/her efforts are making difference in creating value and how it is important for organization and personally for growth
It's about how often you have this conversation, Inspire and help them develop their high-performance skills for professional and personal growth.
Watch this video on RAP framework by Professor Shad Morris, below
Professor Shad Morris is an Associate Professor of Management at the Marriott School of Business, Brigham Young University. He has been a visiting professor at the Indian School of Business for many years, teaching MBA students.
PGPPro is EMBA Equivalent Post Graduate Programme in Management for working professionals with 5 - 12 years of experience offered by the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.
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Courtesy: Indian School of Business &Â Professor Shad Morris.