They make things, accomplish tasks, provide services, offer advice and try to achieve goals. Today, more and more companies are adjusting to the concept of hybrid teams that come in a variety of sizes and types. At Wild Thinking, we thought we’d share some team types that we have come across to help you navigate your day-to-day.

Functional Teams perform specific functions in an organisation. They include members from the same department or work area who meet regularly. A manager holds the primary responsibility, with subordinates reporting to this person. Often, these are permanent.

Cross-Functional Teams work across functions, or specialties, of the organisation bringing people with separate areas of expertise to work together; they are usually at about the same hierarchical level and can often make decisions without management. Often, these are temporary.

Leadership Teams take a strategic role in guiding business decisions. They are made up of leaders from varied departments. The goals of leadership teams are generally aligned with the mission and vision of the company.

Self-Directed (Managed) Teams operate without managers, and no one is in a position of authority. They are designed to give employees a feeling of empowerment and ownership of the job.

Task Forces are generally a cross-section of experts joined together to solve a well-defined and temporary assignment. They have a sense of autonomy and don’t need to constantly consult superiors to get things done.

Virtual Teams are comprised of members who are not located in the same physical place using technology and specific skills to achieve a common goal. They tend to be more task and project-oriented and less about social interaction.

Hybrid Teams are a flexible work structure where some employees work remotely, and other team members work from a central location or office. Hybrid team structures allow employees to decide whether they prefer an office environment or working from anywhere remotely.

At Wild Thinking, we think it’s a good idea for all teams to take time out together to consider how best to adjust and adapt to hybrid working in 2022.