DIY: Microcontroller Based Teams

Microcontrollers are a small computer on a single circuit, your team can work in the same fashion, all members working for one common goal.

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single circuit. It usually contains a processor core, memory and programmable peripherals. Arranging a team to work for your company can work in the same manner. The microcontroller would be your lead team member. The processor core and memory are the next team member responsibilities, and the programmable peripherals are the other members of the team.

Things You'll Need

• Candidates for your team
• Area to discuss team aspects

Instructions

Creating a Microcontroller Team with 5 People or More

1. Look carefully at the performance of each individual for the team. Decide which one is best suited to lead the team. -- this will be your Microcontroller. This team member should have strong leadership capabilities, good organizational skills and be the most knowledgeable about your project and team.

2. Speak with this person and let him know he will be responsible for the team. Explain his tasks will be to keep track of all work done and check that it is done correctly, motivate the team to complete the work, and report to you on the team’s progress.

3. Discuss with this person who they believe would be best to help them with these tasks.

4. Look at the remaining four members of your team with the microcontroller. Together, decide the two people best suited for the positions of processor core and memory. These two individuals will essentially be the next in command for your team.

5. Select members of the team that are helpful, motivated and have strong leadership qualities as well. These members will be responsible for helping the microcontroller with the team, motivating team members and helping the team in any way it needs help. These members can have specific tasks assigned to them, or can simply help when and where it is needed.

6. Speak with these two members and let them know they will be advisers for your microcontroller, as well as helping with the team. Having members like this on your team helps to ensure that if the microcontroller is unavailable, there are still two other team members with the ability to manage the team and report to you efficiently.

7. Sit down with all three members you have selected for the team so far and select the remaining members (known as the programmable peripherals.) The members you select for this portion of your team will have specific tasks assigned to them.

8. Make sure the members you are selecting have the ability, knowledge and motivation to complete the tasks you are giving them. These members should work well in a team environment and have no problem reporting to any of the three members you selected to run the team.

9. Bring the team together and explain everyone’s roll and why they have been selected. Explain these things in an unbiased, friendly way.

10. Explain the purpose of the team and its long-term and short-term goals, as well as reporting procedures for keeping you informed about team progress.

11. Answer any questions the team has about the structure of the team and their requirements.

12. Make sure you meet with the team on a regular basis to ensure everything is still running smoothly.