Good Fences Make Good Neighbors – Why Team Boundaries Are Important
David KershawVP, Cloud Services
Altova GmbH
There Are 2 Types of Teams In The World…
Which would you think works better?
Of course we’re on a team because, well, look around – everything that happens here is a team. Right?
I’m on 5 teams. Or is 6 teams?
We carefully cultivated this team!
Frequently they are hard to find!
Studies Have Looked For Team Boundaries…
No, actually it’s more like 10%
do know who is on the team
!
At least 25% of team members aren’t sure
who is on the team!
Why Are Boundaries Important?
The boundary gives us space to do things our way
And there are more reasons for boundaries.
For instance…
If Everyone Is On The Team Then No One Is
Commitment becomes a big problem!
Why are boundaries important?
I have stuff to do over there
My boss pointed me in another direction
Who Do You Ask For What You Need?
I can dig that up for you!
I really need more information!
Why are boundaries important?
Too Many Communication Channels
See the Mythical Man-month
Limiting team size can increase performance.
Why are boundaries important?
What? How many?
5 new team members! Pass it on.
If Everyone Is On The Team, Is Everything In Scope?
Or, if anyone can be on the team, can’t anything be in scope?
Why are boundaries important?
Brown is in scope!Black & white is
in scope too!
Tan is in definitely in scope!
4 Boundaries Provide For Good Teamwork
1. Who is in the organization
2. Who is on the team
3. Who is assigned to what role
4. Who is participating in what work
Teamwork Should Be Fractal
At any level of detail, the boundaries should be clear.
I know what my role is!
I can see who my teammates are!
I’m working on a task!
It is complete clarity.
There Is 1 Magic Ingredient For Good Boundaries
But clarity also implies consistency!
How Do You Give Teams Clear Boundaries?
The screenshots are from MetaTeam!
Some suggestions…
Make it easy to find people
Their teams, and
The work they are assigned
So they will stay focused.
Recognition Is Important To Teamwork
Try this here! Learn more here!
Make membership clear
And limited
So membership is opportunity
Membership Should Have Privileges
Try this here! Learn more here!
Assign detailed roles
To every member
So responsibilities are handled,
Members know who can help,
And what to do.
Membership Should Also Have Responsibilities
Try this here! Learn more here!
Set clear goals,
Assign each to 1 owner,
Align contributing roles
With clear responsibilities
And collaboration happens
Alignment Is A Synonym For Collaboration
Try this here! Learn more here!
Thank you!
David KershawVP, Cloud ServicesAltova GmbHhttp://metateam.net
