How to Build an Effective Personal Technology Team

Out-of-date technology lowers the efficiency of your business and makes you less competitive.

Technology constantly evolves due to innovation and the need to solve specific problems for businesses and consumers. If you are not up to date on technology trends, or your technology infrastructure is past its shelf-life, build an effective personal technology team to address the issues and suggest corrective action.

Instructions

1. Choose the size of your technology team before you start asking people to join. Smaller teams can make decisions more quickly than larger teams, and scheduling meetings among employees is easier. Bigger teams are more likely to contain members with diverse experience and expertise with technology. Look to the company's information technology department for team members with technical backgrounds.

2. Send a company email or memo that describes the personal technology team you want to build. Specify the qualifications to be on the team. For example, you may want a team member who has experience building computer networks or designing databases. Contact prospective members you want personally and offer them a position on the team.

3. Designate a team leader you will work with to obtain progress reports and other information. The leader will make final decisions, eliminating indecision and wasted time. Choose a team leader with managerial experience and a technology background.

4. Hold a team meeting to discuss the goals and mission statement of the team. If everyone has a clear understanding of the team's purpose, team members can create a clear execution plan. For example, if your goal is new computers for the entire building, your personal technology team can assign duties and begin the process.

5. Ask for a weekly or biweekly progress report from your team leader. Attend the meetings if possible to hear feedback and maintain morale.

6. Reward your technology team with bonuses or other incentives for a job well done. Incentives motivate team members to achieve technology goals and work cohesively. Even small incentives show appreciation to your employees.

References

• Rice University: Twelve Ways to Build an Effective Team
• TechSoup.org: Forming a Technology Team