THE GROWTH OF AD-HOC TEAMS

by Rob Thomsett, Senior Consultant, Cutter Consortium

While some of us may miss the traditional project team model, the ad hoc team is here to stay. In fact, as staff turnover and shortages approach the levels experienced during the late 1980s, and as global outsourcing grows, the incidence of ad hoc teams will increase. Indeed, anecdotal evidence shows that within most IT groups, ad hoc teams now constitute the vast majority of teams.

I believe that a well-formed traditional team will outperform an ad hoc team and that it is more pleasant and fun to work on a traditional team. But advocates of the virtual team world cite advantages such as 24/7 processing and, in the case of outsourcing, lower costs. Given that overwhelming evidence indicates that colocation, additional face time, and shared values are critical building blocks for creativity and innovation this Code of Conduct for Ad Hoc Teams (among other tools) will help build more effective ad hoc and virtual teams.

A Code of Conduct for Ad Hoc Teams

• I will provide full disclosure regarding my project and work to my project manager, other team members, and service providers.

• I will never give estimates or other commitments to my project's clients, team members, or to professionals or my project manager that I cannot honestly support and achieve.

• I will not estimate or make other commitments for other professionals in my team and my project manager without prior and full consultation with them.

• I respect the right of others to renegotiate their commitment and other service expectations.

• Other professionals in my team must respect my right to renegotiate costs, schedules, resources, and quality upon their changing of their commitment.

• I will never place my personal or professional interests above those of my project manager and team without informing them.

• I will record my work and relevant measures honestly.

• I will endeavor to treat others as professionals even if they don't treat me the same way.

• I will endeavor to provide a role model for new members of the team and to discuss the code of conduct openly with them.

• I will confront any breach of the code by other professionals in my team.

Ad hoc teams can access precious skills and expertise that may not be available within traditional teams. In addition, from a corporate perspective, ad hoc teams are more flexible (in terms of resources and support) and reflect a growing trend toward ad hoc organizations.

The safest conclusion is that ad hoc teams are different -- very different -- from traditional ones. And you better get used to them.

-- Rob Thomsett, Senior Consultant, Cutter Consortium