Summary.
Not that long ago, teams were typically composed of people with similar skills working in the same place. Their efforts were based on the idea that by working together in a well-managed process, they could deliver replicable results. They primarily operated with efficiency and effectiveness but would frequently encounter obstacles, such as internal siloes or bureaucratic processes, that hindered their overall performance. In response, they began to innovate how they worked together, establishing the groundwork for a more flexible, cross-functional approach to their rituals and practices. From the Skunk Works engineers of the 1950s to Brazilian football in the 1960s to the aviation and surgical collaborations that delivered stunning improvements in the 1990s and early 2000s, organizations have continually searched for ways to enhance their teams’ effectiveness.