OLAS
The Fast Movers
OLAS teams are defined by their structured communication, logical thinking, authoritative leadership, and ability to adapt plans quickly. They excel in fast-paced environments where they can quickly make sense of new information and act on it decisively. These teams are at their best in situations that require sharp, immediate responses.
However, OLAS teams can stumble when faced with projects that need a lot of new, creative thinking and detailed coordination over time. Their quick decision-making can lead to premature actions, especially in situations without strong data.
Team dimensions
Communicating
Strongly Ordered
The team you described shares information through defined processes and forums.
Information is shared through defined processes and forums.Informal
Information is shared organically among team members.
Strength increases away from the center.
Processing
Very strongly Logical
The team you described evaluates information on its merits, using evidence and reasoning.
The source of information matters when evaluating it.Logical
Information is evaluated on its own merits, regardless of source.
Strength increases away from the center.
Deciding
Strongly Authoritative
The team you described looks to leadership for direction and decisions.
Decisions are driven by consensus among team members.Authoritative
Decisions are driven by direction from team leadership.
Strength increases away from the center.
Executing
Moderately Spontaneous
The team you described uses lightweight plans and adapts as work develops.
Plans are thorough, closely followed, and regularly updated.Spontaneous
Lightweight plans favor agility and adaptability.
Strength increases away from the center.
Strengths
- Their ordered communication style ensures that information is shared clearly and efficiently, reducing misunderstandings.
- These teams can quickly process new information and respond immediately. Their ability to pivot without hesitation is a key advantage in high-stress or fast-changing situations.
- OLAS teams avoid the delays that often accompany consensus-building, enabling them to implement new strategies swiftly.
Blind spots
- The speed at which OLAS teams operate can sometimes result in insufficient analysis or consideration of long-term impacts, leading to decisions that solve immediate issues but create future problems. Their bias to action can also mean that creativity–which isn’t always efficient!–is sometimes overlooked.
- Frequent and spontaneous adjustments of plans can undermine consistency and reliability, especially on projects that require long-term development or stability. Rapid changes in direction can also cause whiplash and burnout.
- Because decisions are typically made in a top-down fashion, OLAS teams can alienate team members who feel their opinions are undervalued.
Ways to grow
- Encourage creativity and innovation. The team is too focused on day-to-day execution to take the time for unstructured brainstorming and creative thinking, unless there is an external forcing function.
- Institute checkpoints or review processes before finalizing decisions to ensure that all aspects of a problem have been considered. This can prevent hasty decisions and promote more sustainable solutions, especially in complex or unfamiliar situations.
- Make sure there is enough investment in feedback, coaching, and career growth for team members, in addition to the focus on day-to-day execution.
TEAMDYNAMICS SOLO
See your team more clearly. Find your next step.
Complete one assessment to get TeamDynamics from your perspective and private CoDynamics. Explore both online and download a PDF of each. No teammate invitations needed.