Tips for Effective Teams What can businesses teams learn from the NCAA tournament?

By Danielle D’Angelo, AVP, Communications, Genpact

Pressures of NCAA college basketball tournament “March Madness” offers parallels for business teams

Crunch time with critical time-sensitive projects E.g., a new corporate strategy or

department initiative that must be rolled out very quickly

Basic teamwork skills even more important

“Tournament” Time = critical time-sensitive projects

Both on the basketball court and in Corporate America, basic team skills include: Focus and value each role Set clear goals Communicate frequently Celebrate successes and failures

Key Basic Team Skills

Point guard, forward, center, etc. always knows position’s responsibilities and contributions needed to win a game,

But laser sharp in the post-season One small mistake and team will not advance Compressed time and added tournament

pressure ups the ante All players know they require extra focus

What are the parallels for your business team?

Tournament Pressures means basic team skills more important

More than ever, during your “tournament time,” goals and members’ roles must be clearly defined

Different demands with critical projects in tight timeframes

Team leader = basketball coach Hold everyone accountable at each

project milestone Checking in regularly like how a coach

holds court side discussion and locker room debriefs at half time

Critical time sensitive projects need focused team leader

Do not build teams just for teams’ sake Do not fall into a trap of the corporate politics of

inclusion because a new strategy rollout seems to involve everyone.

An NCAA Final Four coach would never put in players just to give them minutes.

Similar to coach changing the offensive or defensive plan mid-game, company teams need flexibility Tight schedules especially demand agile

teamwork that can adapt quickly and revise goals if needed.

Build your team for speed and flexibility, not politics

Effective leaders organize teams with members who add skills that he or she may not have.

Make sure each team member not only has a clear role, but balances each other’s skill

Balance talents

Teams members can inspire each other by striving to match or excel each other’s value and contributions.

A smart leader, just like a good basketball coach, knows how to balance the dance between strong teamwork and effective competition.

Encourage healthy competition

See my blog https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tips-effective-teams-during-tournament-time-danielle-d-angelo

Sources: 6 Steps to Build a Strong Team,

Entrepreneur magazine, May 23, 2016 Why the Best Office Cultures Encourag

e Both Teamwork and Competition, Inc. magazine, March 16, 2017

7 Questions to Help Set More Effective Team Goals, Inc. magazine, January 27, 2017

For more information