Coaching Self-Directed Teams

Course Description

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of coaching self-directed work teams (SDWTs) in industrial and manufacturing environments. Emphasis is placed on the evolving role of the supervisor or team leader as a coach rather than a traditional manager, enabling teams to operate with greater autonomy, accountability, and effectiveness. Students will examine team dynamics, motivational strategies, conflict resolution, performance management, and the organizational structures that support high-performance work systems. This course is part of the Industrial Systems Technology program within the Engineering Technologies taxonomy.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Define the characteristics and stages of development of self-directed work teams (SDWTs) in an industrial or manufacturing context.
• Distinguish between traditional supervisory management and the coaching role required to support autonomous teams.
• Apply coaching techniques to facilitate team problem-solving, goal-setting, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and manage the stages of team formation (forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning).
• Demonstrate strategies for motivating team members and fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
• Apply conflict resolution and communication strategies appropriate for self-directed team environments.
• Describe organizational structures and leadership frameworks that support high-performance work systems (HPWS).
• Evaluate team and individual performance using appropriate metrics and feedback methods.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be addressed based on institutional emphasis and available instructional time:

• Apply lean manufacturing or continuous improvement (Kaizen, Six Sigma) principles within the context of self-directed teams.
• Develop a team charter or operating agreement for a simulated industrial team.
• Analyze case studies of SDWT implementation in Florida or national manufacturing industries.
• Describe the legal and HR implications of transitioning to self-directed team structures.
• Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into team coaching practices.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Introduction to Self-Directed Work Teams — Definition, history, benefits, and limitations of SDWTs; comparison to traditional work structures.
• The Coaching Role in Industrial Settings — Transition from supervisor to coach; roles and responsibilities of the SDWT coach or facilitator.
• Team Development Stages — Tuckman's model (forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning); interventions at each stage.
• Communication and Active Listening — Verbal and non-verbal communication; providing constructive feedback; facilitating team meetings.
• Motivation and Empowerment — Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation theories (Maslow, Herzberg, McGregor Theory X/Y); empowering team members to make decisions.
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation — Sources of team conflict; resolution styles; win-win negotiation techniques.
• Performance Management and Accountability — Setting SMART goals; conducting performance reviews; peer evaluation processes in SDWTs.
• Organizational Culture and High-Performance Work Systems — Alignment of organizational culture with SDWT values; management support structures.
• Team Decision-Making and Problem-Solving — Consensus building; structured problem-solving tools (5-Why, fishbone diagram, brainstorming).

Optional Topics

• Lean and Continuous Improvement Integration — Applying Kaizen events, 5S, and PDCA cycles through SDWT structures.
• Change Management — Leading teams through organizational transitions; resistance to change strategies.
• Team Charters and Governance — Drafting operating agreements, defining boundaries of team authority, and establishing norms.
• Cross-Functional Teams — Coaching teams that span multiple departments or technical disciplines.
• Technology and Remote/Hybrid Teams — Digital collaboration tools and coaching techniques for geographically dispersed teams.

Resources & Tools

• Textbooks: Commonly adopted texts include works on self-directed work teams, organizational behavior, and industrial supervision (e.g., Self-Directed Work Teams: The New American Challenge by Orsburn et al., or equivalent current edition).
• Florida College System Resources: Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) library databases; OpenStax Organizational Behavior (open educational resource).
• Industry Standards: SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) competency frameworks; OSHA guidance on workforce organization.
• Software/Tools: Team assessment inventories; project management tools (e.g., Trello, Microsoft Teams); SWOT and fishbone diagram templates.
• Case Studies: Real-world SDWT implementations in manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, and utilities industries.

Career Pathways

Completion of this course prepares students for leadership and supervisory roles in industrial and manufacturing environments. Applicable career pathways include:

• Production Team Leader / Shift Supervisor — Oversee self-directed work teams on the manufacturing floor.
• Manufacturing Operations Manager — Implement and sustain high-performance work systems across departments.
• Industrial Training Coordinator — Develop and deliver team-effectiveness training programs.
• Quality Systems Technician/Manager — Lead cross-functional improvement teams using structured problem-solving.
• Workforce Development Specialist — Support organizations transitioning to empowered team structures.

This course contributes to stackable credentials and A.S. degrees in Industrial Systems Technology, Manufacturing Technology, and related Engineering Technology programs at Florida College System institutions.

Special Information

This course may serve as a component in preparation for industry-recognized workforce certifications related to manufacturing leadership and organizational effectiveness, including:

• Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) — Certified Production Technician Plus (CPT+) credential, which includes team and workplace competencies.
• American Society for Quality (ASQ) — Foundational concepts align with preparation for the Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) examination.
• Florida Industry Certification: This course may fulfill requirements for applicable Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Industry Certifications tied to Industrial Systems Technology programs.

Students are encouraged to document team coaching projects and assessments in a professional portfolio for use in workforce entry or advancement applications.