In the last article we began to develop the concept of team building as an important part of the career of a research scientist. Today I want to make a point about team building. It needs to be an intentional process. Long lasting teams do not come together by accident. And, they can be very easily broken apart. In fact, statistics show that the majority of teams do not survive for extended periods of time.

It is important for the research scientist to understand that he must be intentional not only in building his team, but in taking measures to develop it and keep it in tack. It is difficult to accomplish a BHAG or fulfill a vision when you are constantly rebuilding a team. This concept takes us back to what we discussed in the opening article of this series. To keep the team in tack, the scientist must stay “others focused.”

Posted by Jim Wrenn, January 7, 2010, blogger@itworks-inc.com