The team is the primary unit of productivity in the knowledge economy. And in order for that unit to thrive, individuals must commit to their team.

Time is the most fundamental form of commitment. This is because the team is dedicated to measuring and improving its productivity and predicting its performance. Team members who don’t follow through on their time commitments introduce unpredictability (“I had to work on another project”) and breed mistrust (“I can’t depend on you”).

Place is another form of commitment. Co-located teams are dedicated to working with each other side-by-side. Recognizing that the “one table” model is more powerful than virtual collaboration, individual producers commit to being at the table at prescribed and agreed upon moments of peak productivity. If co-location is not possible, frequent or “always-on” video communication is the next best solution.

Transparency is an essential form of commitment, as is sharing your craft.

Examples