Drexler-Sibbet Model

1. Introduction to the Drexler-Sibbet Model

• A seven-step framework for understanding how teams develop from formation to high performance.
• Similar to Tuckman’s Ladder, but more detailed and covers team sustainability.
• Steps 1-4 focus on team formation, while Steps 5-7 focus on performance and adaptation.
• Example:
  • A software development team follows this model from kickoff to project completion.

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2. Breakdown of the Drexler-Sibbet Team Performance Model

Step 1: Orientation (Why Are We Here?)

• Goal: Establish the purpose and objectives of the team.
• Happens during the project kickoff meeting.
• Example:
  • A new construction team meets for the first time to discuss building a new office.

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Step 2: Trust Building (Who Are We?)

• Goal: Build trust and understand team member roles.
• Team members introduce themselves and share their skills, experiences, and backgrounds.
• Example:
  • A new Agile team introduces themselves, discussing their expertise in front-end, back-end, and database development.

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Step 3: Goal Clarification (What Are We Doing?)

• Goal: Define specific team goals and expectations.
• High-level project details, constraints, and assumptions are discussed.
• Example:
  • The marketing team clarifies that their goal is to launch a product campaign within three months.

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Step 4: Commitment (How Will We Do It?)

• Goal: Create a detailed action plan.
• The team agrees on methods, tools, and approaches to achieve the goal.
• Example:
  • The software team decides they will use Agile methodology, bi-weekly sprints, and Jira for task tracking.

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Step 5: Implementation (Let’s Do the Work!)

• Goal: Start executing the project plan.
• Tasks are broken down and assigned, and team members start working.
• Example:
  • A construction team begins with site preparation, followed by foundation work.

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Step 6: High Performance (Achieving Efficiency & Productivity)

• Goal: Optimize workflows and maximize team efficiency.
• Team members collaborate seamlessly and perform at a high level.
• Example:
  • A software development team reaches a point where they deliver features efficiently with minimal issues.

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Step 7: Renewal (Adapting to Changes & Continuous Improvement)

• Goal: Adapt to team changes, obstacles, and new challenges.
• The team reviews its processes, adjusts strategies, and evolves.
• Example:
  • A remote team faces a time zone issue and changes meeting schedules to improve communication.

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3. Why the Drexler-Sibbet Model is Important

• Helps understand team dynamics and improve collaboration.
• Encourages trust, goal alignment, and commitment early in the project.
• Guides teams in achieving high performance while adapting to changes.
• Example:
  • A tech startup follows this model to ensure its distributed team collaborates effectively.

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4. Key Takeaway: A Structured Approach to Team Performance

• Teams don’t become high-performing overnight.
• Understanding and managing each stage leads to better project success.