What Google Learned From Its Quest to Build the Perfect Team

 What Google Learned in its Search to Build the Perfect Team

Julia Rozovsky was like many 25-year-olds. She wasn't sure what her future plans were. It wasn't the right fit. After that, she was hired to be a Harvard researcher. It was an interesting but lonely job. Maybe a larger corporation would be a better match. Maybe a fast-growing startup. All she knew was that she wanted a job that was more social. "I wanted to be a part of a community, a part of something people were building together," she said. Although she considered many possibilities, such as an Internet business or a Ph.D. program, nothing felt right. In 2009, she chose the path that allowed for her to postpone making a decision.

Rozovsky was placed in a carefully planned study group by the school, to build close relationships upon her arrival. M.B.A. programs have made study groups a standard part of their curriculum. This is a way students can practice working in teams and an indication of the rising demand for skilled employees who can navigate group dynamics. A worker might get up in the morning and collaborate with engineers. Then, he or she may send emails to colleagues marketing a brand new brand. Finally, he or she will hop on a conference calling to plan a different product line while simultaneously managing accounting and party-planning committee meetings. Business schools all over the country have changed their curriculums in order to focus on team-focused learning.

Rozovsky met with her four classmates every day between classes and after dinner to discuss homework assignments, create spreadsheets, and prepare for exams. They were all smart and curious and shared a lot in common. Rozovsky hoped that these shared experiences would allow them to work well together. But things didn't go as planned. Rozovsky said that many people believe their best business school friends are those in their study groups. It wasn't for me.

Rozovsky's study club was, instead, a source for stress. "I felt that I always had to prove myself," she stated. Her team dynamics can put her on edge. Sometimes, the group's members fought for leadership or criticised one another when they met. There were disputes about who was the leader and who represented the group in class. Rozovsky said that people tried to be more authoritative by talking louder or over one another. The Community Lots - 20 Reasons Why Buying From Lottery Websites Makes Sense