What is a tiger team in the workplace?

A tiger team is a specialized group of experts from across the company that can come together quickly to tackle a problem. This cross-functional approach brings together a small group that can make decisions fast. Expertise from different perspectives can help solve the problem promptlywith innovative solutions.

Perhaps one of the most well-known tiger teams is the group that came together to save the astronauts on Apollo 13 in 1970. After an explosion threatened the lives of those on board, NASA quickly assembled a tiger team that successfully got the astronauts back to Earth. Your team might not be tasked with literally saving lives, but it could become a lifesaver when it comes to your business operations.

Benefits of having a tiger team

Not sure if a tiger team is right for your company? Here are some benefits of using this approach when you have a problem:

• Expert input: Your tiger team puts the most qualified people in the same room to tackle a problem together. This can result in better solutions than you would get otherwise.
• Multiple perspectives: Members typically come from different departments or areas of expertise. This allows you to approach the problem from different angles.
• Focused: Since the team is small, it can work through solutions quickly without too many different opinions getting in the way.
• Improved operations: The solutions the team creates may not only solve the immediate problem but also improve operations for the future. It could support growth, increase sales or improve efficiency.

Potential challenges facing a tiger team

Tiger problems aren’t free of potential roadblocks. Identifying potential challenges early helps you avoid them with your team. Some challenges might include:

• Lack of direction:The team needs to have clear expectations and a strategic plan in place to keep things organized. This helps them work efficiently toward a solution.
• Lack of focus: It’s important to keep the team within the scope of its duties. Team members use their resources more effectively when they stay focused on the problem at hand.
• Ineffective communication: When communication fails within the group, you risk not finding a solution. Keeping each other updated on what you’re doing helps you stay on track, work productively and avoid duplicating your efforts.
• Not enough authority: Your tiger team needs the autonomy to make and implement decisions quickly. Getting rid of as much red tape as possible lets the team create solutions promptly.

When to use a tiger team

You don’t need to call in a tiger team every time you have an issue. Many everyday problems can be solved using your normal processes. The team members involved in those tasks might be able to easily troubleshoot the situation and keep the workplace moving.

Tiger teams come into play when you’re facing a major problem you can’t easily solve using your normal methods. These types of issues usually happen on critical projects and could completely derail things or have a major impact on your company.

Forming your tiger team in 7 steps

Who you put on your tiger team depends largely on the specific problem you have. You won’t necessarily use the same tiger team for every issue since you might need various types of expertise. Typically, the experts come from the different departments involved in the situation. Here are some tips to help create a tiger team for project management situations.

1. Identify the issue

A successful tiger team needs to understand the specific issue fully. These details can also help you assemble your team based on the affected areas and the expertise you need.

2. Look for relevant experts on your team

Consider the experts and leaders within your company who are equipped to handle the scope of the problem. For instance, if it’s a tech issue, you may need members with tech, mechanical or engineering backgrounds. Most people selected for the team have extensive experience in the industry and within your organization. That experience helps them work well under pressure and ensures they have plenty of practical knowledge to create realistic solutions.

This process is easier when you know what skills each employee has. Evaluating the talent on your team and performing a skills gap analysis can give you a better idea of what skills are available. You might create charts identifying key knowledge or skills for each employee so you know who to turn to.

3. Set clear expectations

Define the expected outcomes and expectations for how the team will operate. They need to know what success looks like and what specific goals they need to achieve.

4. Assign responsibilities

Assigning specific roles and responsibilities helps distribute the work and ensure everything is covered. Each person should understand their role and what’s expected of them. They might have distinct tasks to complete.

5. Have a process

The specific steps a tiger team takes could vary based on the situation. However, having a general plan in place can guide the process and help the team work through the situation. An example could be:

• Observe and evaluate the situation.
• Define the problem in more detail.
• Perform testing to get more information.
• Brainstorm possible solutions.
• Evaluate and assess solutions.
• Discuss and choose a solution.
• Implement the solution.

6. Choose communication methods

Your tiger team needs to work closely to resolve the problem quickly. If possible, get the team together in the same room to initiate the process and work through solutions. When that’s not an option, have specific communication strategies in place, such as an initial video call to evaluate the situation and decide on specific tasks.

Team management software can also be effective for managing the project. It helps the team communicate effectively and keeps the possible solutions organized. It also helps you document your processes so you can go back and review what you did if necessary.

7. Prepare for the duties

Your tiger team members will likely spend a lot of time on the project until it’s solved. That means their normal duties could fall behind. Have a plan for managing the workload between the team’s normal tasks and their tiger team duties. This helps keep workplace productivity higher overall.

FAQs about tiger teams

What is the difference between a tiger team and a task force?

Tiger teams jump into action when there’s an urgent issue that needs to be resolved quickly. They’re mainly small teams. Tasks forces are also cross-functional teams of experts, but they’re usually larger than tiger teams. The work of a task force is generally a longer-term situation. They might work on managing a larger issue that can’t be fixed promptly.

What is the difference between a Cyber Offense team and a tiger team?

Cyber Offense teams focus specifically on security. They essentially play the role of a potential hacker, giving that perspective as a way to prepare and defend the company against those attacks. They can also be used in other situations and serve as an opposing viewpoint to help fight groupthink scenarios. Tiger teams are similar to Cyber Offense teams, but they’re focused on solving one specific problem that has already become an issue.

Are tiger teams effective?

Tiger teams can be effective when you select the right members and give them the autonomy to make decisions. Team members need to have expertise related to the issue and know how to work well together to create a collaborative solution.