TEAMWORK.- Session 3.- Working together.

Read the text and listen to the situation.

Lucy: Well, first of all let me tell you how delighted we are that you accepted the job. I hope that you feel part of this - we like to call it - small family very soon.

Theresa: Thank you.

Charlotte: Thanks.

Lucy: We're going to start today with a brief preparatory talk about the company so that you can have a clear overview of what we do here and how our department fits into the overall running of the company.

Ok, so as you know, we are in the training and consultancy business. That means that, for example if a company is looking for a foreign market to set up new factories or sell units, we conduct a market research and we carry out the research project on the pros and cons which will help them decide on the most suitable placement.

Charlotte: I see but would we work directly with our clients then?

Lucy: Most of the work is done here but if necessary we send trainers and consultants to the clients' company in order to assist in the whole process.

But before getting into the technicalities of the business, let's look at the company's organization. As you can see from this slide, at the top we have the General Manager and he has four people who report to him. There's the Director responsible for strategic co-ordination. Then there's me. I'm responsible for training and marketing. Then there's the Financial Director and the Human Resources Manager. Any questions so far?

Charlotte: No, none.

Theresa: It's similar to the company I used to work for.

Lucy: I'm happy to hear that. It will make it easier for you to join the group…and now let's take a look at my team in more detail, at the bottom of the slide; I have three units who work in different plans and projects. Each unit consists of a team leader, an International business expert, a Marketing expert and a Training expert. Building team spirit is always the focal point of what I try to do as a manager. When we are facing a new project, I expect you to work as a team, make decisions as a team and support your colleagues. As I said before we're a small family and we believe in success through hard work… and that's why you're here. We need people who have the ability to use initiative, to negotiate and to work well in teams…

Charlotte: Can I just ask you about the team leader's roles and responsibilities?

Lucy: Interesting question. I was just about to tell you about that. The team leader is not a fixed position and it depends on how well you do in the team. I will assign a team leader every six months and that person will basically monitor and coordinate the team activity, but also, he or she will maintain and update databases and evaluate the success of marketing campaigns.