This relationship can be compared to that between an adult and a group of children. This relationship is similar to an adult working with adolescents. In both the dependent group and independent group the manager or other leader is the central figure. Even in the independent group each member must still report to and gain approval from the leader for each project. By contrast, in a self-directed team the leader is no longer central, but is a full and equal team member.
Decisions are collaborative, with equal consideration given to each member's ideas.
This is how mature adults in the larger society normally relate to each other. When people participate in determining their own goals and methods and are empowered to make other important decisions, they are far more likely to be committed to their jobs and their organization. This sense of job ownership is at the heart of the concept of self-directed teams. When empowered individuals are grouped into empowered teams, they can use their diverse experience, knowledge, skills, training and perspectives to accomplish large and important goals. Like workers in guilds, members of self-directed teams are encouraged to use all their unique talents and knowledge to achieve team objectives.