Introducing resilient teams

Software development teams face change every day. These changes range from the micro level, such as adjustments to project requirements, to the macro level, such as changes in company direction or goals. When teams overreact to change with emotion by losing confidence, motivation, and momentum, those teams are described as fragile. When teams are more adaptable and react to change with curiosity and open-mindedness, they are resilient teams. The level of change a team can adapt to indicates how fragile or resilient that team is.

The most fragile teams are easily disrupted by relatively trivial changes. They have a limited comfort zone in which they are capable of working. They cling to the familiar and react to change with fear, annoyance, and other strong emotions. They may have an overly rigid view of their workplace and role.

The most resilient teams can consider and navigate significant changes. They can focus on the big picture and take into account...