ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the characteristics of the Open Team and ways of developing them. The Open Team is also a goal for healthier teams developing increased collaboration and performance. Research in the areas of quantum physics, biology and complexity theory have also provided fresh insight into the interactive and interdependent nature of living systems and the implications for leadership and organisations. The Open Team behaves as a healthy and balanced living system that influences its environment as well as being influenced by it, learning and growing in the process. The team maintains a clear purpose and identity, but it evolves alongside other teams and the organisation as a whole. The work of Collins and Porras describes the importance of establishing the core purpose, vision, task focus and cultural elements values and operating principles for organisational performance. The operating framework is a stepping off point for an ongoing team dialogue about intent, direction of travel, actual performance and behaviours.
