Managing Successful Teams Book

Preface vii

1 Setting the scene 1

Introduction 1

Big picture 1

The pros and cons of teamwork 3

What support do teams need from the top? 5

2 Back to basics - the fundamentals of working in teams 7

Introduction 7

What is and what isn't a team? 7

'Team' defined 9

Different types of teams 10

Stages of team development 14

Structuring the team 17

Two critical roles 19

Why do teams sometimes not work? 25

The characteristics of a well-functioning team 27

3 Setting up a new team 31

Introduction 31

A 12-step guide for setting up a new team 32

How to balance the team 42

4 Managing the team once formed ? motivation and performance management 49

Introduction 49

The art of motivation 50

Why is motivation so important? 51

A fundamental principle of motivation 52

Managing performance 58

Reviewing and evaluating performance 60

Rewards 66

5 Managing the team once formed - communication, meetings, influencing and projects 71

Introduction 71

Your role as a communication messenger 72

Running meetings 74

Getting what you need and want from others - being an influencer 77

Managing a project 82

6 Taking over as manager of an established team 95

Introduction 95

In what circumstances are you taking over the team? 96

Your relationship with the team and stakeholders 97

Timelines for progress 99

Problem busting 104

7 Problems in the team 113

Introduction 113

Work-based problems 114

People problems 123

8 Leading the virtual team 131

Introduction 131

The benefits and implications of working remotely 132

Technology to enable remote working 133

Working with others in a virtual team 135

Getting the foundation stones right to make the team work 137

Tackling problems in virtual teams 147

The virtual world of the future - the rise of the neo-nomad 149

9 The future for teams 153

References and recommended reading 155