5 Planning for a Successful Team Start by Getting Management's Commitment to Implement the Recommendations of Your Team Too often, teams do their work and turn in their reports, only to find that nothing happens. They are disappointed, frustrated, angry, and determined not to work in a team again. Therefore, it is important to learn how to work collaboratively with management and see that the team's recommendations are implemented. Step 1: When the Team Is Getting Started Plan to meet with those people in higher management who may have initiated the need for the team and will benefit from its work. Get a commitment from management right now, at this planning stage, and don't proceed until the commitment is clear and in writing. Get clarification of the team's goals and objectives; limit them to what is practical and realistic. Make sure the team's project is in alignment with the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Often management will want the team to accomplish more than they can, so your job is to get a ranked list of goals and start the team off with a manageable one. Find out exactly what resources are allocated to the team and whether more will be available in the future, if they are needed. Ask the team's sponsors or stakeholders to attend the first meeting to introduce the team's project, goals, and objectives. Establish how you will communicate with management (how often and in what form). 61