Effective teams need a compelling purpose and clear goals.  They also require a set of shared standards for how they will interact and function in an aligned manner; these standards might be referred to as their Rules of Engagement.

Some teams start out small and develop naturally over time.  When those team members are compatible and work closely together on multiple projects over an extended period of time, they can develop a “sixth sense” for one another.  Closely knit team members may reach the point where they can instinctively complete the thoughts of others and independently reach similar conclusions to active situations.  There are no formal “rules of engagement” merely because they develop subliminally over time.

In active and growing organizations, the need for teamwork is ever-present and the addition of new team members, in new roles, happens at a brisk pace. Without the benefit of an extensive history together, however, there’s a need to first figure out how you’re going to work together and to what end, before diving into the work at hand.  Meaningful “rules of engagement” will provide a guide to productive interactions and successful outcomes.

The first team meeting for a new group, or whenever a new member is added, should include a discussion around:

• The relationship of the team members; is it hierarchal or equal?
• Expected preparation before sessions; what pre-work is required?
• How collaboration will occur; will all parties offer input?
• What decisions can be made at the team level; do certain topics require escalation and/or other participants?
• Respecting differences yet reaching consensus; what’s required to reach a meeting of the minds?
• Communicating results, expectations and outcomes to other stakeholders: what must remain private and what can be shared?

The more clearly the team articulates these interactive elements, the greater the likelihood of achieving desired results. When teams are formed and operate at higher levels within the organization, the stakes for getting it right as a “Team of Teams” increase exponentially

The fact is that alignment within the organization below a senior team level can never exceed that of the senior team itself.

Thoughtful rules of engagement will enhance the team experience and lead to forward progress.

Tempus Maximize!