How will you manage teams in the next decade?

1 Remote and hybrid work

One of the most obvious changes in team management is the shift to remote and hybrid work models, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote and hybrid work offer many benefits, such as flexibility, cost savings, and access to global talent. But they also pose some challenges, such as communication, collaboration, and culture. As a team manager, you will need to adapt your strategies and tools to support your remote and hybrid teams, such as setting clear expectations, using digital platforms, and fostering trust and engagement.

2 Diversity and inclusion

Another important trend in team management is the increasing diversity and inclusion of team members, in terms of demographics, backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Diversity and inclusion can enhance team performance, creativity, and innovation, as well as reflect the needs and values of customers and stakeholders. But they also require team managers to be aware of and address potential biases, conflicts, and gaps in team dynamics. As a team manager, you will need to promote a culture of respect, empathy, and belonging, as well as leverage the strengths and differences of your diverse and inclusive teams.

3 Agile and adaptive methods

A third key trend in team management is the adoption of agile and adaptive methods, inspired by the software development industry. Agile and adaptive methods are based on principles such as customer focus, iterative delivery, feedback loops, and cross-functional collaboration. They can help teams cope with complexity, uncertainty, and change, as well as deliver value faster and better. But they also demand team managers to be flexible, transparent, and supportive, as well as empower their teams to self-organize and make decisions.

4 Learning and development

A fourth major trend in team management is the emphasis on learning and development, both for individuals and teams. Learning and development can help teams stay relevant, competitive, and motivated, as well as acquire new skills and knowledge. But they also require team managers to invest time, resources, and attention, as well as create a culture of continuous learning and improvement. As a team manager, you will need to identify the learning needs and goals of your teams, as well as provide them with opportunities, feedback, and recognition.

5 Purpose and impact

A fifth significant trend in team management is the importance of purpose and impact, both for organizations and teams. Purpose and impact can help teams align their vision, mission, and values, as well as measure their outcomes and contributions. But they also challenge team managers to articulate and communicate the purpose and impact of their teams, as well as inspire and motivate them to achieve them. As a team manager, you will need to define and share the purpose and impact of your teams, as well as celebrate and reward their successes.

6 Collaboration and innovation

A sixth and final trend in team management is the need for collaboration and innovation, both within and across teams. Collaboration and innovation can help teams solve problems, generate ideas, and create value, as well as leverage the collective intelligence and creativity of their members. But they also entail team managers to facilitate and enable the collaboration and innovation processes, as well as overcome the barriers and risks. As a team manager, you will need to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, as well as provide the tools, resources, and support for your teams.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?