Which function of management is focused on guiding and motivating teams?

The function of management that is concentrated on guiding and motivating teams is leading. Leading involves inspiring and encouraging team members to perform at their best, fostering a culture of collaboration, and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the organization's goals.

In a leadership role, managers engage with their teams to communicate vision and purpose clearly. They also provide support, recognize achievements, and cultivate an environment where team members feel valued and empowered. This function is essential for maintaining morale, increasing productivity, and driving overall team performance.

The other functions—controlling, planning, and organizing—while important, primarily focus on different aspects of management. Controlling involves monitoring and evaluating progress towards goals, planning is about setting objectives and determining the best course of action to achieve them, and organizing deals with arranging resources and tasks to implement plans effectively. While all these functions contribute to effective management, leading specifically emphasizes the social dynamics and personal interactions necessary to motivate and guide teams effectively.