TIKESHWAR MAHTO,

DY. Director of Mines Safety Bilaspur Region (India)tikeshwarmahto@yahoo.co.in

TEAM BUILDING & LEADERSHIP :-A CASE STUDY

ABSTRCTIn mining profession, many of us aim to lead a large team with prestigious responsibilities. For making a team productive, just being a boss is often not good enough. You have to learn to be a good leader. Only a good leader can extract the maximum from his work force and help them grow.Mining Industry is a manpower based industry. Works are shared by different sub-groups or sub-teams like Mining (or excavation), Electrical & Mechanical etc. and which are led by the sub-team leaders like Asst. Managers (for mining), Exec. Engineers (for E & M). Overall mine is led by the Mine Manager. We can say this a Leader of whole system (i.e. Mine), who is sole responsible for leading the sub- teams effectively and efficiently. Our main aim is to produce coal effectively, efficiently and safely. Effectively means achieving our Target or Goal and efficiently means economically and also safely means not at the cost of any life. Hence, a Mine Manager has vast responsibility to lead the team. Some leaders make the mistake of keeping all the controls of the work that their team performs with them. Managers must learn to delegate work, else they can never grow. They must groom team members to function independently and take decisions on smaller pies of the whole task. Thus you can encourage people by giving them more power, and at the same time, freeing your time to take larger strategic step from the growth of your team.Sub- teams or team members (for small team) are strengths (or forces), which are applied to achieve the Target or Goal. The direction of application of these strengths or forces is controlled by the Team Leader or Manager. It means the Strengths (or Forces) of sub- teams or Team –members should be applied united in such a direction that the resultant of these strengths is maximum and our Target becomes easy.For example – a single finger of a hand has no importance unless all fingers of the hand are united and maximum strength or force of fist appears when all fingers apply their individual strength united in pre-decided direction.

In this paper, the author is going to explain this concept mathematically in subsequent pages.

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An example of a problem of Physics showing different forces applied to move a body lying on the ground. The author is trying to correlate this with `Team work` in an organization to achieve the Target.

Suppose a body (target) having mass `M` is lying on the surface. This body is to be pushed forward by applying forces like F1, F2 and F3. This is our target or aim or goal. The maximum force required to push the body is F = ηR, where F = Resistance or frictional force offered by the ground, η = co-efficient of friction, And, M = weight of the body, R = Total vertical ground resistanceDirection of these forces applied on the body to push forward are as follows; F1 = at an angle of `θ1` from horizontal ,F2 = at an angle of `θ2` from horizontal F3 = at an angle of ` θ3` from horizontal Now resolving F1 , F2 and F3 in horizontal and vertical direction we get, FH = F1 Cosθ1 + F2 Cosθ 2 + F3 Cosθ 3 ,and FV = F1Sinθ1 + F2 Sinθ2 – F3 Sinθ3 Assuming θ2 = 0 means , F2 is acting parallel to horizontal planei.e. FH = F1 Cosθ1 + F2 + F3 Cosθ3 , and FV = F1 Sinθ1 – F3 Sinθ3 Hence, R (total ground resistance) = M (weight of the body) + FVOr, R = M + F1Sinθ1 – F3 Sinθ3, and , F = ηR = η (M + F1Sinθ1 – F3 Sinθ3 )So, in any case FH > F , for moving the body. Hence, if , FH > F, Or FH > η R, Or,( F1 Cosθ1 + F2 + F3 Cosθ3 ) > η ( M + F1 Sinθ1 – F3 Sinθ3). Therefore , to satisfy this condition ` θ ` should be minimum i.e. θ ≈ 0If ` θ1 = θ2 = θ3 = 0 , then FH = F1 + F2 + F3 and FV = 0 ,Thus F = η MIt means all forces F1, F2 and F3 should act parallel (uni-direction) to the horizontal plane to maximize the resultant of three forces..

TARGETF = ηRM

F1

F3

F2

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So, in the above problem loss of efforts (forces) have been minimized in the useless activities (i.e.FV = vertical forces) and the Goal setting efforts or forces (i.e. FH = horizontal forces) have been maximized to achieve the target (i.e. FH > F). All forces or efforts were made uni-directional and effective by minimizing the useless forces (i.e. FV = 0). This technique can be also used in `Team work` to align the team efforts in pre-decided direction to achieve the goal.

Mathematical Model of an Ideal Team Work

FIG: 1Sub- Team `A` = A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity ` FA `

Sub- Team `B`= A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity ` FB `

Sub- Team `C` = A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity ` FC `

TARGETF = ηRM

F1

F3

F2

TEAMWORK

Sub-Team-A

`A`

Sub-Team-

B`B`

Sub-Team-C

`C`

Sub-Team-D

`D`

Sub-Team-E

`E`

AIM OR GOAL

AIMLESS

DAMAGE

FA

FC

FD

FB

FE

Green Minded

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Sub- Team `D` = A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity ` FE `

Sub- Team `E`= A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity ` FD `

In ideal team work , sub- teams or team members work in pre-decided direction ( means uni- direction ), as shown in the above figure. It means every team members has single motive or goal. There is no any energy loss or wastage of efforts of team members in aimless or damaging activities. Total team is structured, united, punctual, sincere and positive attitude towards their goal. Hence, the author has denoted all the team members with same colour i.e. green.

Mathematical model of an Actual Team Work in Practice

FIG:2

TEAMWORK

Sub-Team

`A`

Sub-Team

`B`

Sub-Team`C`

Sub-Team`D`

Sub-Team

`E`

θ1

θ2

θ3

AIM OR GOAL

AIMLESS

FA

FC

FD

FB

FE

Red Colour

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DAMAGE

Green colour indicates positive attitudes, sincerity, honesty, unanimity and a good co-ordination & co-operation among team members and team leader

Dark Green

Light Green

Light Green

Yellow

Sub- Team `A`(Dark Green) = A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity `FA`Sub- Team `B`(Light Green) = A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity ` FB `Sub- Team `C`(Light Green) = A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity ` FC `Sub- Team `D`(Yellow colour) = A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity ` FD `Sub- Team `E`(Red colour) = A small team or an individual member having strength or capacity ` FE

In actual team work , which is in practice is totally different from Ideal team work as shown in the above figure, where efforts of sub- teams or team members are not applied uni- directionally (or pre- decided direction). They are divided on their goal. Some members are partly inclined towards their goal. Some are doing totally aimless activities and some are having totally damaging attitudes, as shown in the above figure. Due to this reason, the Team becomes unable to achieve the goal or target. And all this happens mainly due to ineffective and inefficient Team leader. A Team leader has great role in channelising the efforts of team members in the direction of path of success.In the above figure, the author has denoted different sub- teams or members with different colours. Dark green colour shows total devotion of team member towards their goal, Light green colour means partly devoted towards their goal, yellow colour shows total aimless attitudes and red colour shows totally aimless and damaging attitudes

Solving the above mathematical concept

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Dark Green colour indicates positive attitude, sincerity, honesty, unanimity and a good co-ordination & co-operation among team members and team leader.

Light Green colours indicates some negligence, carelessness towards their duty and responsibility. They are not fully devoted.

Yellow colour indicates total aimless attitude. Such type of persons take salary from the organization, but their contribution to the organization is zero. Their duty is only time pass.

Red colour indicates totally aimless and damaging attitude. Such type of persons are very dangerous for the organization.

Yellow

FIG:3

Separating `Team work attitudes (Dark green) , `aimless attitudes (yellow )` and `damaging attitudes (Red colour)`of sub- teams or team members as shown in the above fig. : 3, we can analyse the team efforts. This figure also separates weaknesses and strengths of the Team. This figure also shows efficiency of team work

THE EFFORTS APPLIED BY THE SUB-TEAMS OR TEAM MEMBERS AS INDICATED ABOVE CAN BE WRITTEN IN ALGEBRIC FORM

Sub-Team`D`

Red

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TEAMWORK

Sub-Team

a

`A`

Green

Sub-Team

`C`

Sub-Team `B`

Sub-Team

`E`

Sub-Team

`B`

Sub-Team

`C`

Sub-Team

`E`

AIM OR GOAL

AIMLESS

DAMAGE

`A`

FIG:4

In algebraic form, the resultant of different forces acting on the body is , → → → → → → R = FA + FB+ FC + FD + FE

Team efforts = FA + F`B + F`C Damage of Team work = F`E Aimless efforts = F``B + F``C + FD + F``E

The fig:5 shows the algebraic sum (or Resultant) of team efforts. The resultant `R` (team effort) is having both `aimless & damaging efforts` and goal efforts`

So, it is Team leader, who can convert the aimless and damaging efforts of the team members into goal efforts, as shown in fig: 6,below. That is total team members can be made uni- directional and uni- colour.

FA F`B F`CF`E

FD

F``B

F``C

F``E

AIM OR GOALDAMAGE

AIMLESS

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FIG:5RESULTANT OF ABOVE MENTIONED ALGEBRIC FORM

So, here is the role of a leader to change the Aimless & Damaging attitudes of team members into goal efforts.

FIG:6RESULTANT OF ABOVE MENTIONED ALGEBRIC FORM CHANGED ,DUE TO QUALITY LEADERSHIP

Factors behind poor team work and poor leadership damaging the motto of the organization are as follows.

F

AIM OR GOAL

TEAM

WORK

R

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TEAM

WORKF

AIM OR GOAL

AIMLESS

Vast communication gap among the team members and team leaders; Bossism and dictatorship ; One way communication ; Not caring personal and practical problem of team members; Lack of friendliness between team leader and team members; Lack of familism. Written disciplinary action against team members; Lack on unanimity on decision making; Job dissatisfaction of team members; Lack of job delegation. Hard and fast rule. Leading from back. Deviation from Line Management. Passing down the orders or Instructions of higher officials without

filtration or purification

Following points to be remembered for a good leadership and good team work

1. No any communication gap should be there among team members and team leader. -- It is necessary to communicate to everyone working under you about things that are going on in the company. Deciding things on your own and not bothering to inform or communicate can be de-moralizing to the team. In fact, it is nice to involve team members in the decision making process.

2. ``Boss is always right ``is not true at current scenario.-- When a person is leading a team, he should forget about his status and behave like a friend. Team members should feel free to discuss any thing with the leader and the leader should involve team members in the decision making process. Written instruction without any discussion among team members and leader is dangerous for the organization and the team. It is very common in public sector organization.

3. Two way communication system.--Whatever the team leader tells, the team members should listen and whatever the team members tell, team leader should also listen patiently.

4. Team leader should care about personal problem and also practical problem at work place.- You make to realize that you are always with team members.

5. A great leader touches the heart of his followers, and not the body.--It is the great quality of a great leader. A leader who becomes successful in touching the heart of his followers/ sub-ordinates/team members, his aim /target/goals become easier. There should be no any communication gap among the leader and team members. They should behave like friends. A `praise` or `thank you` takes very little time to say, but is remembered and treasured by the

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receiver. Appreciating people on tasks `well done` should be something the leader should make a point to follow. It keeps the team inspired and spirited.

6. The organization is. like a family. ---The organization is a family and all employees including top officials are family members. Higher officers should behave like guardian (family head) with the other members of the organization. When a senior officer comes for visit or site inspection, he should shake hands with the site in charges and other employees. It reduces the communication gap and feel free to express any thing or any problem with the higher officers (or team leader) , so that the problem will come out and will be immediately solved. In public sector organization, it is main problem. A public sector officer comes for inspection like an Inspector. Every body will be in fear that there should be no any mistake during the inspection. No body wants to share the problems with such type of officer (or team leader). And this is not good for growing organizations.

7. Written disciplinary action is like a cancer and oral punishment is like a boon.The written disciplinary action against the team members (or any employee) damages team work and it effects directly on the `Goal` of the organization. His motivation changes from constructive to destructive. But, if he gets oral punishment his motivation level becomes doubled. He becomes inspired and spirited. He corrects his mistakes not to reoccur in future and tries more and more for the organization. Generally no body does mistake intentionally.

8. Unanimity on decision making;Unanimous decision` is mere a phrase of story book in Public sector organization. Team leaders just pass the order and do not think necessary to take suggestion of team members on decision making. Every team member should take part in decision making. This is also the one of the main reason for the public sector to lag behind. Private sectors take benefits of this technique to manifold the goal or aim.

9. Job satisfaction of team members;Good remuneration is not the only factor to satisfy the employees. Other factors also necessary for job satisfaction are:-

: Excellent work place, : Good leadership, : Good working relationship etc.

10. Job delegation;Job delegation means decentralization of Authority, power and Decision making to subordinates, sub-team leaders or team members. Some leaders make the mistake of keeping all the controls of the work that their team performs with them. Groom your team members. Managers must learn to delegate work, else they can never grow. They must groom team members to function independently and take decisions on smaller pies of the whole task. Thus you can encourage people by giving them more power, and at the same time, freeing your time to take larger strategic step from the growth of your team.

11. Flexibility in decision making:There should be no hard and fast rule for team members. There should be some flexibility at implementation level. Otherwise sub-team leaders or team members will not be satisfied from their jobs and they will be like a postman.

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12. Leading from front: The author has observed that, in Public sector organization Team leaders generally lead from back. They just pass instruction to sub- team leaders or team members. They do not bother about the hardship or difficulties of team members. They want only result. If the team becomes failure, total blame goes on team members. They get disciplinary actions, humiliation, torturing etc. Team leader does not take responsibility of failure. Therefore, the team leaders should be front leading like our freedom fighter leaders Mahatma Gandhi, Subash Chandra Bosh etc., to make the team successful. Front leaders can understand the difficulties, problems of the team. It will minimize the communication gap among team leader and team members, and the task will be easier.

13. Following Line Management principle: One Sample example of Line Organization at area level is shown below.

GM - AGENT - MANAGER-ADDL. MANAGER/ OR DY. MANAGER --UNDER MANAGER -OVERMAN--MININING SIRDAR--WORKMEN

In Line Organization every person should behave and perform their duty as per Line Organization and don`t deviate from line. No body should pass instruction bypassing or overtaking their sub-ordinates. This type of attitudes makes encroachment into the authority and power of sub-ordinates, which causes paralysis in their working attitudes and enthusiasm. They become jobless, relaxed and unhappy with their jobs. It is shown in below chart `How the people make encroachment into the authority and power of their sub-ordinates`? One example of Line Organization in Opencast Working in which a Manager of the Mine gives instruction to sub-ordinates deviating from Line Organization.

MANAGER-ADDL MANAGER/ OR DY. MANAGER -OVERMAN --WORKMEN

In the above Organization chart a Manager gives working instruction directly to Overman or Workmen bypassing his sub-ordinates (Addl. Manager or Dy. Manager or Under Manger). What happens, if this occurs in the Organization?. The bypassed sub-ordinates become idle, jobless and unhappy with their jobs. Their Team work becomes a one man team. So, the author’s suggestion is that every instruction should pass through their immediate sub-ordinate.

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14. Filtration of every instruction of higher officials before passing it to the sub- team leader or team members:--The atmosphere at implementation level should be cool and peaceful. The harsh instructions and orders of higher officials should be filtered at many levels before reaching finally to implementation level. If it does not happen, the team leader and team members will feel discomfort at work place and their target will be difficult to achieve. One simple example of `Filtration of instruction` at Project level is shown below.

Agent (Addl. GM)`s Order or Instruction ↓

Manager ↓ Filtration level- 1

Asst. Manager↓ Filtration level- 2

Overman ↓ Filtration level-3

Workmen

Here, author has put an idea of `Filtration instruction` based on his own practical experience. Filtration instruction` means filtration of crudeness in instruction. It is quality of team leaders or sub- team leaders, which purify or filter the harsh order or instruction of their higher officials before passing to the team members or workmen. If a team leader passes the orders or instruction of their higher officials in the same tone to their team members, it shows his immature leadership.

Conclusion 12

Progress of any Organization depends upon the style of management at different levels in the organization. The Organization spends huge amount of money in the form of salaries to their Qualified Leaders (Line Managers). Direction of progress of the Organization is decided by the Decision making of Line Managers. And a good `Team work and Leadership` quality of the Line Managers decides the path of the success of the Organization.

Declaration : All the observations made by the author in this article are personal and not necessarily to the organization.

TIKESHWAR MAHTODate26-1-2014 DY. Director of Mines Safety,

Bilaspur Region (India)+917898033693tikeshwarmahto@yahoo.co.in

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