Teaming by Amy C. Edmondson

[@HowSuccessWorks]

Core Concept of Teaming: - Unlike traditional static teams, teaming is a dynamic, fluid process - Emphasizes rapid collaboration and adaptation - Comparable to jazz improvisation rather than classical orchestration - Essential for complex problems requiring multiple experts Key Organizational Shifts: - Moving beyond industrial-era management (Taylor and Ford approaches) - Treating failure as learning opportunity instead of mistake - Focusing on collective learning rather than individual performance - Shifting from standardization to adaptability Examples and Case Studies: - Pixar: Encourages sharing unfinished work for early feedback - Intermountain Healthcare: Uses medical protocols as starting points, not rigid rules - Toyota: Assembly lines operate as teams for real-time problem solving - Children's Hospital Minneapolis: Transformed from blame culture to learning culture Essential Elements for Successful Teaming: - Psychological safety to take risks - Integration of learning into daily operations - Process changes leading to cultural transformation - Systematic approach to learning from failures - Clear mechanisms for knowledge sharing Execution-as-Learning Model: - Treats current solutions as starting points, not final answers - Incorporates continuous feedback loops - Leaders set direction rather than provide answers - Emphasizes judgment over compliance - Involves constant cycle of diagnosis, design, action, reflection Challenges and Solutions: - Knowledge complexity (medical knowledge doubles every few months) - Need for cross-disciplinary collaboration - Balance between standardization and innovation - Overcoming fear of showing imperfect work - Managing different types of work simultaneously (routine, complex, innovative)