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Rules of the Game: Building an Effective Total Football Team (TFT)
The Total Football Team (TFT) is a high-performance, agile team model designed to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and adaptability. However, to ensure optimal performance, TFT must follow a structured set of rules that define the team composition, selection criteria, and key qualities required for success.
1. Team Composition: The 10%-15% Rule
- A TFT should consist of only 10%-15% of the total project team.
- Example: If a project has 50 team members, only 5-7 individuals should be part of the TFT.
- This ensures that the TFT remains agile, focused, and efficient while complementing the broader project team.
2. Experience Level: Finding the Right Balance
- Medium years of experience is recommended when selecting TFT members.
- Why? They have enough expertise to contribute but remain open to growth and innovation.
- However, selection depends on project complexity and sensitivity—in some cases, more senior members may be required.
3. Diversity & Multi-Skilled Members
- Diversity is essential—TFT should include members from different departments to ensure cross-functional collaboration.
- Each member should possess at least one or more technical skills beyond their core expertise.
- This enables flexibility and role interchangeability, a core principle of Total Football Thinking.
4. Involvement of Consultants & Independent Advisors
- External consultants or independent advisors can be part of the TFT.
- Bringing in outside expertise ensures fresh perspectives, innovation, and problem-solving insights.
- They help challenge existing workflows and drive strategic improvements.
5. Team Spirit & Shared Purpose
- TFT members must be excellent team players and committed to a common goal.
- They should align with the organization’s vision, mission, and objectives.
- Strong collaboration is non-negotiable—TFT functions as a unit, just like a football team.
6. Problem-Solving & Empathy
- TFT members must be:
- Proactive problem solvers—capable of thinking critically and adapting quickly.
- Empathetic leaders—understanding the needs of their teammates and fostering a collaborative work culture.
7. Design Thinking & Structural Awareness
- Understanding design structures and design thinking is crucial.
- Why? TFT teams must be user-centric, ensuring that solutions are practical, functional, and innovative.
- Members should embrace an iterative mindset, focusing on experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement.
Conclusion: Winning the Game with TFT
By following these structured guidelines, TFT teams can become:
- Highly agile, cross-functional, and collaborative
- Efficient in problem-solving and decision-making
- Adaptable to evolving challenges
- Aligned with the organization’s strategic goals
TFT isn’t just a team—it’s a mindset. Are you ready to build a game-changing team?