Cultivate an Inter-Functional Community 12. It's not my fault. The phrase that should produce capital punishment in any organization is, "I saw it coming, but there was nothing I could do." Whether we see the definition of team as all encompassing as society, or as finite as a work task force, team membership means being accountable for your actions and the actions of the team. Serious project work translates to serious consequences when agreed upon deliverables are not met. Serious project work means stepping up and supporting the team. Another of Jed's goals is to build a company of accountability, in which everyone steps up and acknowledges their obligations and responsibilities. If accountability exists in the organization, if accountability is demonstrated by those who would be part of the design team, the project will be off to a great start. 13. Project teams break down when members are unclear about their specific role responsibilities. Certain team members are asked to participate because of their consultative skills--their ability to keep the group constructively moving on point. Others provide expertise sparked with creativity that allows them to see every problem as a challenge with workable solutions. Groups require editorial skills that can synthesize information and produce clear communication outcomes. At the source of every changed agenda is information. Some enter the group skilled at research, analysis, and data management, and some members provide multiple skills for the group. Those members need to know why they are part of the team and what is expected of them. For Jed this will be the culmination of all his efforts moving the compensation design to fruition. Will he be able to get his management group to volunteer those staff with the skill sets needed to form a successful team? Starting the Design Project Off on the Right Foot As Jed's next management meeting began, the CEO asked his group to put their pens down and really listen for a second. "I screwed up last week. I was too cavalier when I asked for your views on what our sales compensation plan should look like. That's not really what I had intended. Phil, in sales, is already forming a nucleus within his group to provide input, reaction, and perspective--but this is bigger than just sales. 181