Linking Skills Model

Linking Skills are the activities and behaviors that managers and others need to exhibit in order to successfully integrate and coordinate the work of a team. These skills were identified through extensive interviews with teams and team leaders worldwide. Data collected from, for example, banking teams, engineering teams, administrative teams, marketing teams, production teams, and research teams, in the private and public sectors, highlighted a number of common elements that were responsible for integrating a team into a coherent 'whole'.

People Linking Skills

These six skills form the outer layer of the model and are essential for fostering a productive and trusting team environment. They are expected of all team members, but especially exemplified by leaders:

• Active Listening – Linkers listen before deciding, ensuring understanding before action.

• Communication – Linkers keep team members regularly informed and engaged.

• Team Relationships – Linkers build respect, trust, and understanding within the team.

• Problem Solving & Counselling – Linkers are approachable and provide support when issues arise.

• Participative Decision Making – Linkers involve the team in solving key problems.

• Interface Management – Linkers coordinate activities and represent the team effectively to external stakeholders.

Task Linking Skills

These five skills lie within the model and are vital to the practical execution of team goals. They are particularly important for leaders and senior team members:

• Objectives Setting – Linkers establish clear, achievable goals while promoting continuous improvement.

• Quality Standards – Linkers model high standards and ensure team alignment on performance expectations.

• Work Allocation – Linkers delegate based on skills and preferences to maximise engagement and capability.

• Team Development – Linkers nurture balanced teams through role alignment and developmental opportunities.

• Delegation – Linkers delegate appropriately, focusing on value-added tasks that require their attention.

Leadership Linking Skills

At the heart of the model are two skills exclusively associated with effective team leadership:

• Motivation – Linkers inspire team members to contribute their best efforts.

• Strategy – Linkers create and implement clear, actionable plans aligned with team and organisational goals.

The Linking Leader Profile Questionnaire (LLPQ) assesses these 13 skills through a 78-item, multi-rater (360°) framework. It identifies both the perceived importance and actual demonstration of each skill, offering leaders insight into their developmental priorities. If any skill is neglected, the team risks losing cohesion, motivation, and direction