Employee assignments today are more and more complex. That has to do with the changing nature of work, for example automation, but also the continuously changing environment. Employees must adapt to the requirements that are set by the new environment, and work together effectively to deal with complex tasks. In addition, it is expected that they take responsibility and show initiative to work toward the goals of the organisation.

Within organisations responsibilities are increasingly given to groups of employees who must solve the assignments together. Within these teams, the team members are dependent on each other’s commitment, information and quality to successfully work on tasks. Without a proactive attitude of team members and good working relationships between members such teams usually won't survive.

In addition to this, in many organisations - in order to encourage flexible work - the number of hierarchical levels has decreased. Responsibilities have been handed to lower management levels and the size of the teams has increased. Direct supervision has also decreased. This is demanding when it comes to working together and proactivity of team members. They must be prepared to take responsibility and go a step further than is formally expected in their job description.

To improve team functioning it is sensible to regularly seek out to understand how a team is doing. Does the team have enough focus? Are they working together effectively? Is there a good atmosphere in the team?

The LTP Team Diagnosis Instrument is a valuable instrument to describe the functioning within teams and between teams and to make them negotiable. Possible deviating views of for example leaders or employees about the functioning of the team can be discussed based on concrete factors.