The Challenge of Leadership: Building Flexible, Collaborative TeamsThomas Darwin, Ph.D.The University of Texas at Austintdarwinmail.utexas.eduTeams vis-a-vis CollaborationWorking on a team and collaborating are related but different. Think of teams as a social technology and collaboration as a mindset and way of being with each other.A shared collaborative mindset is the ground from which effective teams emerge.Effective teams dont exist for their own sake-they emerge for a specific purpose. Because collaboration is as much a mindset as an activity, it can (and should) be cultivated and maintained over time.Effective CollaborationCollaboration means shared creation of the ideas-not “we agree to do it my way.”Collaboration works best with a shared space and a common focal point.Reward collaboration and make it “safe” for people to try new ideas (encourage the use of prototypes).Effective TeamsEstablish a shared commitment to being a part of the team.Be clear about the advantages of being on a team and how each member will benefit.Assemble a mix of complementary skills appropriate to the task and clearly define the teams goals.Have the team members define how they want to work together and how they will be accountable to each other.Diverse Perspectives are CriticalCultivate diverse perspectives and encourage them to be expressed.Be wary of agreement that is too quick-managed tension is productive (as long as it doesnt go on too long).Initiators and Movers come up with ideas and maintain an ideas momentum.Critics and Shapers can voice uncomfortable (but obvious) truths and test ideas.Adapters and Implementers provide the practical wisdom to ensure an idea is executed well.Observers (often the most reticent) can ensure that new ideas are consistent with a groups history and values.Using Scenarios to Build Flexibility1)Tell the story-how did you get here and where are you likely to go?1.2) Who are the primary agents and stakeholders and what are their motives?1.3) What principles, analogous situations, or experiences apply?1.4) Determine your two best options and then choose one.1.5) Design how youll implement the option you choose.Rules of Thumb orWhat my kids have taught me about managing a team.Assume they are going to the do the right thing.“Biggies” versus “Smallies” Or Pick Your BattlesMore Positive than Negative (5 to 1)Tell them what to do-not just what not to do.Talk regularly-about what needs to get done and just about “stuff.”Give them everything you can to help them succeed.