Many of the basics of building and leading effective teams are still valid—creating team norms, paying attention to internal and external dynamics, establishing approaches to communication and conflict resolution. However, today’s mid-level managers are facing these tasks in a new environment and with a new type of team.

As 21st century managers navigate these fundamental challenges of alignment, capability and dynamics, they also need to be aware of three factors that add additional complexity: the speed at which their teams will have to form and produce results, the distance that will separate members, and the blurred boundaries of membership and accountability.

We are also seeing changes in the ways that organizations use teams, particularly as technology has enabled new types of teams, especially global ones. These teams are finding they have to form and produce within the context of still more issues—questions of identity, authority, strategic alignment, culture and coordination.