Engineering Your Team OS
This method guides teams to consciously redesign their working processes through iterative improvements, much like updating software. It fosters a culture of continuous development by focusing on small, actionable changes.
Use this method when a team needs to improve its collaboration, communication, or overall effectiveness. It's particularly useful after a team self-assessment to address identified weaknesses.
Solves: Unconscious or outdated team processes hindering performance; resistance to change.
- 1
Step 1: (15 mins) If the team has completed a self-assessment, review the statements. If not, individuals reflect on categories like team relations, decision-making, and accountability.
- 2
Step 2: (45-90 mins) Take each category and ask: 'In an ideal team, how might we do this differently?' Conduct structured rounds, ensuring everyone contributes positive, aspirational statements. Aim for consent, not full consensus; dissenting voices must offer alternatives.
- 3
Step 3: (10 mins) Post the agreed-upon statements. Before the session ends, choose one statement to focus on as a team for the next week. Each member verbally commits to changing their behavior accordingly.
- 4
Step 4: (Ongoing) At the next team meeting, discuss progress on the chosen statement: What worked? What needs revision? Repeat the process with new statements.
- Emphasize that this is iterative work and requires patience.
- Encourage building on each other's ideas during the structured rounds.
- Focus on a single category at a time.
- Use anonymous voting to select the statement for the week.