Don’t Let Teamwork Get in the Way of Agility

Published in the Harvard Business Review by Elaine Pulakos & Robert B. (Rob) Kaiser

Instead of maximizing teamwork, new research on what distinguishes agile organizations suggests that we need to rightsize it. This means considering what form and how much teamwork is needed at each stage of a project to get it done efficiently and effectively. Start by analyzing work requirements and deciding what kind of teamwork is needed at each stage of a project, or if none is needed at all. Then figure out what needs to be done by whom prior to convening your team. Your guiding principle is to make sure people’s time is not wasted. Ask yourself: Who should be involved, why, and when? Finally, review your process regularly. If something doesn’t add value, eliminate it.

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