Team Management: Could a Operating System Enhance Team Success?
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Ricky Muddimer, co-founder of Thinking Focus, believes that teams often struggle with achieving their goals due to lack of a shared, consistent framework. This frustration stems from reusing outdated methods and repeating past mistakes under the guise of "new" approaches. What if there was a reliable, familiar system, similar to an operating system (OS), that could keep everyone aligned and focused? This system would provide tools that accelerate results and avoid the need to start from scratch.
The Need for a Team OS
Operating systems are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from smartphones to laptops and even TVs. They ensure our devices function seamlessly, manage resources, and offer an intuitive interface. It makes sense, then, for teams to benefit from a similarly reliable system for problem-solving and goal achievement.
Imagine having a common language and standard tools at your disposal, enabling you to tackle goals and projects more efficiently. The concept of a "Team OS" would enable teams to leverage proven approaches without having to reinvent the wheel.
Advantages of a Team OS
A Team OS differs from technologically-focused systems in its emphasis on benefits for teams and individuals. Here are some advantages inspired by tech OSes:
Consistency
Just like operating systems ensure device stability, a Team OS creates a consistent framework for work that minimizes surprises and random steps.
Familiarity
Unlike learning new processes each time, with a Team OS, teams can rely on a familiar interface with pre-defined tools to tackle different goals.
Resource Optimization
Good operating systems distribute resources efficiently. In a team context, this translates to reducing overlap, prioritizing critical tasks, and allowing team members to focus on high-impact work.
Interoperability
Tech OSes allow for compatibility with new hardware. Similarly, a Team OS equipped with universal mental models and tools enables easy integration of new team members, processes, and projects without the need for extensive retraining.
A Practical Team OS Example
At his company, Muddimer developed a mental model designed for thinking, planning, reviewing, and executing everything from personal goals to large-scale projects. Launched in 2008, this model has helped numerous teams achieve their objectives, including delivering multi-million-pound returns on investment and identifying failing projects.
Consider this as a Team OS:
- A shared language and approach
- A platform for adapting the model to diverse contexts
- Integration of psychological insights to overcome biases and limiting beliefs
A Real-World Team OS Success Story
Recently, a global manufacturing client utilized this process to rescue a failing initiative. By pausing to evaluate their assumptions and systematically explore solutions, the team pivoted to a more viable plan, saving over £1 million in potential losses.
The Six Core Elements of a Team OS
Three critical elements form the core of a good Team OS: FOCUS, OPTIONS, and OTHERS. Here's a brief overview of how these elements work together:
Focus: Clarifying Objectives
Determine the goal, using tools like SMART or SMT AR to establish clear targets. Understand your purpose (the why) and evaluate your belief in success without succumbing to complacency or giving up due to lack of confidence.
Options: Unlocking Potential Solutions
Resist the urge to dive straight into action. Instead, brainstorm solutions without judgment and consider alternatives to beat biases like authority bias or groupthink.
Others: Seeking Support
Goals often fail due to unrealistic expectations about support. Clarify what you need from stakeholders and present compelling reasons for their involvement. A well-structured ask can turn rejections into enthusiastic contributions.
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[2] Kumar, R., Shelton, D., & McMurrin, B. (2013). Google Ventures Design Sprint: A Practical Guide to Building, Prototyping, and Testing Innovative Products in Days. Portfolio/Penguin.
[3] IDEOU Team (2008). Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation. HarperCollins.
[4] Pipeline Creative Co. (2020). The Innovator's Design Thinking Playbook: How to Create Breakthrough Products, Services, and Customer Experiences with Design Thinking's 5-Step Process. Wiley.
In the context of innovating team problem-solving approaches, Ricky Muddimer draws inspiration from operating systems (OS), suggesting a need for a 'Team OS' that defines a consistent framework and leverages familiar tools for efficient goal achievement. This Team OS would not only ensure consistency and familiarity but also optimize resources and promote interoperability, allowing for seamless integration of new team members, processes, and projects. By adhering to the 'Team OS' model, a global manufacturing client successfully rescued a failing initiative, saving over £1 million in potential losses.
