Mechanical Engineering 1010 How to Build Successful Teams David Bayless, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow of ASME Gerald Loehr Professor October 09, 2014

Typical Team Problems Lack of Communication Lack of Explicit Expectations and Goals Lack of Accountability Conflict Avoidance Being “that guy…” [last]

Communication = Success Communication means : DO NOT ASSUME people know, remember or read your mind Communication means: Give timely responses and information Communication means: Give clear responses Summarize weekly team expectations in an or text Let your team know if you cannot mean the deadline on an expectation BEFORE the deadline Be sure you explain yourself – not everyone understands “Let’s meet at 1pm next Sunday.”

Russ College of Engineering and Technology Setting Explicit Expectations Nothing fails as fast as ambiguity I thought “HE” was going to do that I thought we were going to do that tomorrow Define clear roles for EACH team member “Team” will not assemble the car “Team” will not purchase components Define clear due dates for each activity Can always provide flexibility AFTER definition

Russ College of Engineering and Technology Accountability If there are no consequences, what is the point? People will do what it is expected, unless they don’t have to What are your consequences Design reports will ask for problems End of course 360°review of the team Some team members will be happy with a crappy grade, so that may not be a suitable consequence There is no right to a team in ME 1010

Russ College of Engineering and Technology Conflict Avoidance No one wants to cause “waves” Building up resentments solves nothing Addressing the problem is the solution Use tact Keep the productive outcome in mind Dr. Bayless can help mediate

Russ College of Engineering and Technology Summary Discuss/communicate clearly and in writing with your team Set explicit outcomes and actions for each member of the team There are consequences for inaction Address problems with the team tactfully Remember – the only person you can change is you. What are you doing to make your team better?

Russ College of Engineering and Technology Assignment for Oct. 21 (Individual) How are you communicating with your team and among your team? Provide examples of your weekly action item s and other communications. What are the problems on your team? What actions have you taken to resolve the problems Through testing (October 30), what actions are you explicitly taking to make your team better?