One of the questions I am frequently asked is about structuring a team. I have had the opportunity to be a part of several different versions of innovation teams. While the name is different, the goal remains the same - develop new products with market-fit that generates additional revenue for the business. Below are a couple of learnings and best practices I have gathered over the years that might help you build your next team.

 

Creating a team that is focused on developing new solutions is critical for companies that want to stay competitive and innovative. To create the best team possible, it is important to consider several key factors, including the composition of the team, the skills and expertise needed, and how the team can work cross-functionally to achieve its goals.

 

Membership of the team should not be limited to senior management. While senior management can provide valuable insights and guidance, it is also important to include members from across the organization, including frontline workers, designers, developers, and other key stakeholders. This can help to ensure that the team is diverse, creative, and able to draw on a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

 

When creating a team focused on developing new solutions, it is also important to consider the skills and expertise needed. This may include technical skills such as programming and data analysis, as well as soft skills such as creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. By assembling a team with a diverse range of skills and expertise, companies can increase their chances of success and develop solutions that meet the needs of their target customers.

 

Once the team is assembled, it is important to establish a culture of collaboration and cross-functional working. This can be achieved through regular communication and open dialogue between team members, as well as the use of tools and technologies that facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing. For example, team members can use project management software, instant messaging tools, and video conferencing to stay connected and work together in real time.

 

Another important factor in creating a successful team focused on developing new solutions is to establish clear goals and objectives. This can help to ensure that everyone on the team is working towards the same outcomes and that progress can be measured and evaluated. A preferred method of goal setting is OKRs that focuses on the objective and key results. In the end, these should ladder up to the organization.

 

To encourage cross-functional working, it may also be helpful to establish regular meetings and workshops where team members can share their ideas and insights. This can help to foster a culture of creativity and innovation, and ensure that everyone on the team feels valued and heard.

 

Finally, it is important to recognize and celebrate successes along the way. This can help to boost morale and motivate team members to continue working towards the goals and objectives of the team. Celebrating successes can be as simple as sending an email thanking team members for their hard work or recognizing team members at a company-wide meeting.

 

In conclusion, creating a team focused on developing new solutions requires careful consideration of the composition of the team, the skills and expertise needed, and how the team can work cross-functionally to achieve its goals. It is important to assemble a diverse team, establish clear goals and objectives, encourage collaboration and cross-functional working, and recognize and celebrate successes along the way. By following these principles, companies can create the best possible team and achieve their innovation goals.