I found a small book at an airport recently called “The Decision Book: Fifty models for strategic thinking”. It’s a nice easy read and a good thought provoker, and one of the models in particular really spoke to me.
The Drexler/Sibbet model covers how to turn a group into a team. It specifies 7 distinct stages that a team will generally go though, and the unique issues that can arise at each stage.
1. Orientation
Main question to answer:
- Why am I here?
Benefits if resolved:
- Purpose
- Team identity
- Membership
Problems if not resolved:
- Disorientation
- Uncertainty
- Fear
2. Trust Building
Main question to answer:
- Who are you?
Benefits if resolved:
- Mutual regard
- Forthrightness
- Reliability
Problems if not resolved:
- Caution
- Mistrust
- Facade
3. Goal Clarification
Main question to answer:
- What are we doing?
Benefits if resolved:
- Explicit assumptions
- Clear, integrated goals
- Shared vision
Problems if not resolved:
- Apathy
- Scepticism
- Irrelevant competition
4. Commitment
Main question to answer:
- How will we do it?
Benefits if resolved:
- Assigned roles
- Allocated resources
- Decisions made
Problems if not resolved:
- Dependence
- Resistance
5. Implementation
Main question to answer:
- Who does what, where, when?
Benefits if resolved:
- Clear processes
- Alignment
- Disciplined execution
Problems if not resolved:
- Conflict/confusion
- Non-alignment
- Missed deadlines
6. High Performance
Main question to answer:
- Wow!
Benefits if resolved:
- Spontaneous interaction
- Synergy
- Surpassing results
Problems if not resolved:
- Overload
- Disharmony
7. Renewal
Main question to answer:
- Why Continue?
Benefits if resolved:
- Recognition and celebration
- Change mastery
- Staying power
Problems if not resolved:
- Boredom
- Burnout