Can teamwork work more efficiently? : Ways to identify and address the skills gap

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Teamwork is critical to organizational success, but many teams remain ineffective and even dysfunctional. Deficiency in certain skills is often assumed to be the cause. This has increased interest in various commercially available instruments designed to measure teamwork skills and identify voids that can be subsequently addressed through training. However, these tools are as yet limited in scope and might prove most effective if used to substantiate insights from accomplished managers with experiences within both competent and ineffective teams. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.