Does your team play soccer or Mozart?

Not all teams are the same. They don't share the same goals or need the same things to function well. So, when you look at your team, is it more like a sports team or an orchestra?

While both types of teams require collaboration and coordination, they operate in different domains and embody unique principles of teamwork.

They both consist of highly skilled players who hone their talents over many years of dedicated and focused practice as individuals and in groups. Individual members share basic skills - like reading a score or kicking and passing the ball.

They must be aware of what is happening with each other in the course of their practice or play. But sports teams must be able to compensate for the changing state of play to a degree that is not required for the orchestral player. Where goalies may come a long way up the pitch or forwards will drop back to defend when called for, no one on the double base would need to - or could - pick up a flute to fill a need in the wind section on a moment's notice.

And neither is wrong or better. Different teams require different things.

How could you have a soccer team if all were goalkeepers? How would it be an orchestra if all were French horns? Desmond Tutu

Teams in organisations are structured taking different requirements into account. A customer service team can quickly move from working with clients on the counter to answering calls or doing administration. Executive teams work for the good of the whole organisation and will share resources across their business units in times of need and when there is a shifts of focus. Builders work together to put a wall up on site. They rely on the skills of others to achieve a common and very specific goal.

But other teams are not so functionally dependent. They may exist in organisational frameworks but are less dependent on each other for short-term outcomes. For example, academics in the Communications Department of a University would not take up work in a Molecular Biology Lab. Looking at the organisational structure of a Corporate Services Division, we could see Information Technology, Finance, Communications and Human Resources working together.

While all employees undoubtedly need 'coaching', not all teams need Coaches. Some require the harmonising presence and guidance of a Conductor. Assuming the wrong type of support can be a dreadful waste of time and motivation.

So, as a leader, do you need your team to score goals on the pitch or bring the score to life?

Stay well and make work matter,

Gayle

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