How to Build Complementary Teams Based on Strengths and Skills
Do not begin with: “Who are the best people?” Begin with: “What does this team need to accomplish?”
Define the outcome
What must the team deliver?
Map required capabilities
Identify needs such as: research; analysis; communication; organization; technical execution; leadership; creativity; relationship management.
Map existing capability
What does the current team already have?
Identify gaps
Where is capability missing?
Identify overlap
Some overlap is useful. Too much overlap can leave important areas uncovered.
Consider natural contribution
Natural gifts can provide another lens for understanding how people may contribute.
Consider values and working conditions
A technically capable person can still experience poor fit if the environment or role conflicts strongly with important values or needs.
Develop rather than simply assign
Team design should not become a permanent label. People can learn. People can change roles. People can develop new capabilities.
Team contribution is more than just completing a task.
Discover how you and your team can work better together by understanding Natural Gifts, Skills, Values, and Workplace Fit.
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