FIRE

Collaborative synergy is important to the success of any organization. This critical performance factor does not happen the same way for every type of organization. It is important to know whether you are leading a team, a troupe, or a group.

A true team works interactively toward a shared goal. A group is made up of members that work independently toward a shared goal and they may come together as a team for some work. A troupe is a hybrid; some people work independently and some work as a team. A senior executive team works as a hybrid, both independently and as part of the leadership team. Creating successful working relationships is a different strategy for each type.

Consider a CPA firm. They are not often a true team because the tax experts work separately on client cases. They come together as a team on special projects that require collective expertise. They do collaborate, through coordination with administrative and other support members. Larger CPA firms may have teams for client types, but the majority of firms operate as a group; working independently toward a shared goal. The wrong expectations about working together can impede organizational performance. Collaboration is not always the best working strategy, such as with a troupe, where the people within an organization are working independently toward varying goals within the organization.

FUEL

How do we create working synergy? We start by learning from your people, whether they are working interactively or independently. Recently a client realized he has not been in touch with his team’s problem solving strengths. Through examination of the working relationships he recognized that he is, in fact is leading a group, and that pushing them to implement identical collaborative processes is impeding their productivity. The group of business development members shares one growth goal but they each work independently to manage different client types. With a new perspective about his members, he can develop the group and meet the growth goal. Understanding these different working structures helps to avoid unproductive use of time, minimize distraction and frustration, and promote healthy expectations for working relationships.

If you would like to learn more and get on the right track, contact us at Firepower Teams today!