By Shanna R. Teel, Contributing Editor
Teamwork is great, and then again it's not so great. In the U.S. there
is a commonly held assumption that working in teams produces better
results. This assumption is being challenged by research by Richard Hackman at Harvard University.
Teams have often been thought of a safe hubs where individuals can feel
supported, creative and productive. However, Hackman's research shows
that teams often underperform to their potential.
To perform well, teams need to be set up carefully and have a compelling direction versus being thrown together on an ad-hoc basis to fulfill some organizational objective. However, the reality is that teams often are not well conceived and often lack clarity in goal, role, and performance objectives.
In Hackman's latest book, Leading Teams, he discussed five basic conditions that leaders must create in order to build effective, high-performing teams. These are:
1. Teams must be real. People have to know who is on the team and who is not.
2. Teams need a compelling direction. Members need to know, and agree on, what they are supposed to be doing together. A clearly articulated agenda cannot be over-communicated.
3. Teams need enabling structures. Teams that have poorly designed tasks, unstated norms of conduct, and the wrong team members get into trouble as they try to execute.
4. Teams need a supportive organization. This includes the rewards and information systems that help facilitate teamwork and high performance.
5. Teams need expert coaching on group process at the beginning, middle, and end of a team project. Most coaching tends to be on an individual level, so group coaching is essential.
To learn more about Hackman's research on "Why Teams Don't Work" read his article in the latest Harvard Business Review.
Enjoy your weekend!
Shanna
Shanna R. Teel is the founder and CEO of Dr. Shanna Teel & Company, Inc., a leadership and human capital management consulting firm. She has worked more than 15 years as a talent and performance management consultant, executive coach, and facilitator of adult learning.
Comments