“In the longer run and for wide-reaching issues, more creative solutions tend to come from imaginative interdisciplinary collaboration.”
– Robert J. Shiller
Hi Everyone,
We work in Interdisciplinary Teams. A group of consultants from different fields who work together toward the same goal to provide the best care or best business outcome for our clients. Selfishness is antithetical to an interdisciplinary team because serving the client is the only definition of success. For example, in the operating room, the health and welfare of the patient supersede all other definitions of success. You can’t simply be self-gratified that as the head nurse or the surgeon, you did a great job when the patient didn’t survive the operation.
The leadership model for an interdisciplinary team is one in which the lead role and responsibility are fully integrated and shared by all members. The team operates with permeable disciplinary barriers, each member of the team brings their expertise and experience in service of the client. Interdisciplinary leadership is dynamic and situationally variable. It is constructed and maintained through ongoing team communication and collaboration.
Managing complexity and delivering value and innovation for our clients, requires shifting away from less dynamic, hierarchical management structures, and toward an interdisciplinary model. Everyone is responsible for the success of our client engagements and relationships. If you see something that is a problem, that could result in bad customer service or a low-quality product then you or obligated to engage your teammates in truthful communication and collaboration until the issue is resolved. A few things to keep in mind when working on a team:
- Leadership – If you notice something that’s not working or impeding your progress, then you need to act. To rectify the situation and commit to doing the hard work of communication and collaboration until the issue is resolved.
- Know the goal – Our work is unique for each client. The outcome and business goals need to match the client’s requirements and culture.
- Know your Role – As an expert on the team, share the valuable information and experience that your client and your team need to be successful.
- Communication – Great teams communicate and collaborate honestly and candidly. Advocating for the client’s outcome is more important than maintaining the hierarchy.
The economic strength of our company is predicated on the speed with which we create the alignment necessary to achieve our client’s goals. Agreeing on the priorities, the work plan, and the allocation of resources is paramount to our well-being.
I asked ChatGPT to write me a short poem on Interdisciplinary teams:
Interdisciplinary teams, a force to behold, With minds of different kinds, and stories untold, A synergy of skills, a diverse array, Innovative ideas, in every way.
From science to art, and everything between, Collaboration that’s strong, and always keen, Bringing forth solutions, that are truly unique, A harmony of perspectives, that’s hard to critique.
Interdisciplinary teams, a wonderful sight, Together they work, with all of their might, Creating a world, that’s better and bright, With every problem, they’re ready to fight.
Let’s go be great!
Brad