© Tesseract Management Systems / Managing by Design / Teamwork This set of slides takes a systematic perspective on teamwork. It starts with the rope square exercise, and then uses the review of the exercise (see notes) to draw out the four key elements of successful teams – which are then further expanded on the subsequent slides. Finally the group considers how they will implement this learning. Please do not attempt to use these slides as part of a presentation until you have read and fully understood the relevant sections of the web site, you know how each slide builds, and you are clear on the points you wish to make with them. See page 92 of Managing by Design.

© Tesseract Management Systems / Managing by Design / TEAMWORK- THE ROPE SQUARE You are required to place 4 of your team members at the corners of the largest possible perfect square. Your team has to start in a small blindfolded group, and may only communicate by speech. Your only equipment is an 6 metre length of rope which may not be prepared before the start of the exercise. You have 10 minutes to plan the exercise without your blindfolds or the rope. You have 10 minutes to complete the exercise in practice.

© Tesseract Management Systems / Managing by Design / TEAMWORK- ANALYSIS In your groups reflect back on the exercise you have just completed: What went well, and why? What problems did you encounter, and why? Be prepared to feedback to the group

© Tesseract Management Systems / Managing by Design / THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF TEAMWORK Clear and Agreed Objectives Teamworking Processes Defined Roles Interpersonal Skills

© Tesseract Management Systems / Managing by Design / Listening Questioning Clarifying Summarising Building on Ideas Constructive Argument Involving Recognising Interpersonal Skills

© Tesseract Management Systems / Managing by Design / The Problem Solving Discipline Decision Making Processes Consensus Reaching Technique Brainstorming Thinking Tools Meeting Agendas... Teamworking Processes

© Tesseract Management Systems / Managing by Design / Chairman Team Leader Facilitator Scribe Timekeeper Secretary Administrator Specialist Roles (e.g. Analyst) Process Roles (e.g. Liaison)... Defined Roles

© Tesseract Management Systems / Managing by Design / Objectives Goals Critical Success Factors (Strategies) Measures & Targets Clear and Agreed Objectives

© Tesseract Management Systems / Managing by Design / How do we ensure the Essentials? - syndicate In your syndicate groups: Think back to the conclusions from the Rope Square Exercise What approaches do you currently take as a group of managers to ensuring that they are all in place? What other approaches are you aware of that are available to management, to ensure these essentials are in place List the approaches clearly and legibly on a flipchart Be prepared to reflect your conclusions back to the rest of the group (very briefly) You have 30 minutes for this exercise