Teams that come together across different units and time zones to do project-based work rarely have time to build the trust that has long been considered the foundation of good teamwork. Here’s how to manage a team working on the fly:
- Speak up and listen intensely. Communication is key. Ask questions, acknowledge errors, raise issues, and offer ideas. Make sure you understand your teammates’ knowledge, expertise, ideas, and concerns.
- Integrate different points of view. Information and ideas don’t synthesize themselves. Leaders need to identify and incorporate the challenges, opportunities, and solutions so they make sense to the team.
- Experiment iteratively. In uncertain environments, people tend to overanalyze or take big leaps of faith. Instead, use a step-by-step approach and take time to discuss progress and correct as you go.
Adapted from “Teamwork on the Fly” by Amy Edmondson.