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This is the first part of a series examining the application of Peter Hawkins 5 Components of Teams. In each of the articles, I will look at each of the following.
• Commission: Why are we here and who cares?
• Clarifying: So what exactly is this team? …
• Co-creation: How are we going to work together to make this happen?
• Connecting: Spreading enthusiasm and message beyond the island of the team.
• Core Learning: How doe we grow and learn collectively?
Part 1: Commissioning Why Are We Here and Who Cares?
In his five components of team building, Peter Hawkins emphasizes the importance of Commissioning as the foundation of a high-performing team. It focuses on the fundamental questions of “Why does this team exist?” and “Who cares about what the team is trying to achieve?” This component is about clarifying the team’s mission, aligning its goals with organizational objectives, and understanding its stakeholders.
Understanding Commissioning
At its core, commissioning is about setting a clear purpose for the team. Hawkins suggests that this is not just a statement about objectives but a relational contract—it’s about who the team is serving, why their work matters, and how it fits into the broader organizational mission. Without a well-defined purpose, teams can struggle with direction, alignment, and motivation. A team that knows its commission works with a sense of urgency and clarity, as every member understands the value of their contribution to the bigger picture.
Tools & Reflections for Successful Commissioning
1. Universal Backwards Design
One useful tool to clarify a team’s purpose is Universal Backwards Design, a method that starts with the end in mind. By focusing on the desired outcome first, teams can better identify the steps needed to achieve their goals. This reverse-engineering approach ensures that every action the team takes aligns with its purpose. It also helps clarify who the stakeholders are and what they expect from the team.
2. Stakeholder Mapping
Teams rarely operate in isolation, which is why stakeholder mapping is critical. This tool helps teams identify who their key stakeholders are—both inside and outside the organization. As Peter Hawkins puts it, effective teams are not just focused on the task but are also deeply aware of who cares about the results. Mapping can also uncover hidden stakeholders—the so-called “13th fairy”—who can influence the team’s success but may not be immediately visible. Stakeholder mapping ensures the team considers all perspectives and maintains open channels of communication with those who matter most.
3. Mission/Vision Alignment
Mission and vision statements are another essential tool for clarifying why the team exists and who cares about their work. These statements provide the guiding principles for the team, ensuring that members stay focused on long-term goals rather than getting sidetracked by short-term priorities. As Hawkins suggests, a strong mission aligns the team with the organization’s broader purpose and motivates team members to work toward a common goal.
Challenges in Commissioning
1. Misaligned Goals
A common challenge in the commissioning phase is the risk of misaligned goals. Individual team members or departments may have competing priorities, which can detract from the team’s ability to work cohesively. One approach to overcoming this is to ensure that goals are co-created with input from all team members and stakeholders. Facilitated goal-setting sessions or the use of tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can help ensure that everyone is working toward the same objectives.
2. Leadership Struggles
In some cases, leadership can inadvertently obstruct team commissioning. Power dynamics can skew the team’s direction if a leader dominates decision-making without fully involving the team. This challenge can be addressed by ensuring that leaders are aware of their impact on the team and by using tools such as Nancy Kline’s “Thinking Environment”, which fosters open dialogue and gives every team member a voice in shaping the team’s purpose.
3. Silos and Miscommunication
Finally, teams often operate in silos, which can lead to miscommunication and a lack of alignment with broader organizational objectives. To address this, teams should regularly engage with other departments and stakeholders through structured meetings or feedback loops. This ensures the team’s goals remain relevant to the organization as a whole.
Suggested Approaches
Regular Recalibration: Commissioning is not a one-time task; it requires ongoing reflection and recalibration. Teams should regularly revisit their mission and stakeholder map to ensure they remain aligned with evolving organizational goals and market conditions.
Facilitated Workshops: Using facilitated workshops, such as those based on Appreciative Inquiry, can help teams co-create their purpose and engage in meaningful reflection on their commission.
By focusing on commissioning as the starting point, teams can lay the groundwork for success. When every team member understands why they are here and who cares about their success, they are more likely to be motivated, aligned, and focused on achieving the team’s objectives.
#leadership #teamwork #teamcoaching #peterhawkins #organizationaldevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #systemicteamcoaching
