IS&T Human Resources (IST-HR) Team

Guide for Creating Teams

Overview

IS&T has committed to a team-based work system -- in other words, it is expected that much of the work of IS&T would be done by teams. To do this successfully, everyone needs to understand what is meant by 'team', when teams are an appropriate work construct, and how to form successful teams.

Brian McDonald, of MOR Associates, Inc., has worked extensively with IS&T, as well as a number of other organizations who are developing team-based work systems. This Guide is based on his work with input from the IS&T Human Resources (IST-HR) Team. There is a section on what IS&T has referred to as Standing Teams.

This guide was developed primarily for Project Teams, most of the principles apply equally to other types of teams and groups.

If you have any questions, email the IS&T Human Resources (IST-HR) Team.

Table of Contents

• Definition of 'Team'
• Team Model
• Types of Teams and Groups
• When to Use a Team
• Project Team Formation
• Standing Team Information
• Standing Team Formation
• Standing Teams: Group Development
• Suggestions for Standing Teams
• Group Development
• Meeting Practices of Successful Teams
• Team Meeting Roles
• Ground Rules
• Making Standing Team More Effective
• Performance Measures Template
• Goal Worksheet
• Taking the Team's Pulse
• Contentious or "Hot Button" Issues
• Summary and IS&T Team Examples
• Action Register Examples
• Startup Worksheets
• Common Pitfalls
• Help Getting Started
• Resources-Useful Frameworks
  • Six Step Planning Process
  • Six Step Problem Solving Process
  • Decision Making Process
  • Steps to a Consensus
  • Interpersonal Conflict Resolution