xx) Why Some Teams Succeed and Most Don't

Research and experience point to the same conclusion:

. It makes a big difference how teams are managed ‐ and whether the company gives them the support they need

Recent insights into successful teams identify 6 pre-requisites:

1. A clear set of objectives, spelled out unambiguously by management

2. Metrics allowing team members to assess their performance ‐ and showing the connection between the team's work and key business indicators

3. Ongoing training ‐ not a one-shot deal ‐ in communication, group leadership, and other team skills

4. Decision-making authority over how to reach their goals. But managers may need to start slowly and expand a team's scope of authority over time.

5. Team-based rewards and evaluation, not individual incentives

6. An open culture, with easy access to team-specific information and to senior management.

(source: Harvard Management Updates 1996 ‐ 1999)