6 Team Conditions is the best-evidenced team model for generating superb team performance, based on decades of research with real-world teams by Drs. Ruth Wageman and Richard Hackman, and many more scholar-practitioners at Harvard, MIT, Yale, and other leading universities.
The Essentials
The Essentials are the fundamental building blocks of great teams:
Real team
Everyone knows who is on the team, exchanges information effectively, and works together long enough to accomplish something meaningful.
Compelling purpose
Teams need a purpose that challenges them to use their best skills, connects to their values, and engages their aspirations.
Right people
An effective team consists of people who have the diverse range of knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to achieve the team’s purpose.
The 3 Enablers
The Enablers accelerate a team’s development into a brilliant collaboration.
Sound structure
Teams should be as small as possible, focused on mission critical priorities, and collaborating using shared work practices.
Supportive organizational context
The systems around the team such as how they are rewarded, and the training and resources at their disposal should enable teamwork.
Expert team coaching
Someone who has the experience and ability to support the team to improve their working practices should be available to them.
How it works
Firstly, we put the three Essentials in place ensuring it is a real team with a clear purpose and the skills needed to do the work.
Then we breathe life into the team through three Enablers: sound structure, supportive context, and team coaching.
We measure effort to establish if the team is operating in ways that build shared commitment.
We also review the task strategies deployed by the team and how well the team uses their knowledge and skills.
Effective teams serve their stakeholders superbly, get better over time, and grow as team members.
Our research indicates that only 21% of leadership teams are highly effective, while 42% under-serve key stakeholders.
Teams that are well-designed around their core purpose, composition, work practices, and resources achieve excellence.
An actionable framework
The 6 Team Conditions framework provides a practical roadmap for anyone tasked with enabling team success.
By taking your team through the step-by-step process outlined above, our practitioners ensure that your team has everything they need to succeed.
A science-based model
Our expert team coaches have studied thousands of teams around the world, in a wide range of industries, sectors, and cultures.
Our research, which is published in top peer-reviewed journals, identified 6 Conditions that can be designed by team leaders and predict up to 80% of team effectiveness, a significant effect size in social science research.
Real-world results
The 6 Conditions team model has guided the transformation of hundreds of C-suite "teams-in-name-only" into superbly aligned and effective leadership teams.
Companies from a wide range of industries - from technology and healthcare, to professional services and community organizing, have launched great teams using the 6 Team Conditions.
How we can help you
Are you ready for the new era of teamwork? Our products and services will transform how your teams address the challenges of the modern world and deliver brilliant performance.
Enterprise Services
Integrate all our services to bring discipline and excellence to teamwork throughout your enterprise.
Top Team Development
Transform your senior team and board from a group of brilliant individual leaders to a first-rate team.
Team Leader Development
Take leadership development to the next level by bringing team leadership to your top, middle, and frontline leaders.
Team Coaching
We coach your mission critical teams to excellence so they can catalyze the change your enterprise needs.
Team Practitioner Development
Become a certified 6 Conditions for Team Effectiveness practitioner and bring this powerful approach to your enterprise.
Team Diagnostics
Measure the effectiveness of your
teams with our industry-leading team diagnostic tools.