Leadership for Intelligence Professionals   

Intra-Organizational Teams vs Inter-Organizational Teams

in a Sports Context

(July 2006)

The Intra-Organizational Team

Think of an intra-organizational team in terms of the  football offensive, defensive and special-teams that take the field each week.  They are made up of elements selected from within the hierarchical organization of the  franchise that together make up a team.  The franchise or organization has a leadership element consisting of an owner(s), President and others.  It has the equivalent of Departments for business, marketing, etc.; each headed by a senior official and an on-field Department headed by a Head Coach.  In the on-field department there are subordinate divisions headed by the Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, etc..  Within each of those divisions there the equivalent of Branches for runners, passers, linemen, line backers, kickers, etc. each headed by an Assistant Coach or Coordinator.  Clearly it is a hierarchical organization.

When game day approaches, mission accomplishment is on the Coaches’ minds.  Thus, as they put their "functional teams" for offense, defense, kick-off, etc. together, they select from among the various divisions of the franchise---runners, passers, linemen, etc.---the best people to get the job done.  In addition to being made up of people from different divisions of the franchise, these teams can vary week to week, game to game, based on the capabilities required to counter to the type of formation and strengths of the other team.  Each player is selected for his complementary skills and each is to play his own position in cooperation and collaboration with others.  On offense the Quarterback calls the plays and on defense the Captain sets up the defense, effectively directing the activity of the other players.  But, if those team leaders or any other player is not performing effectively, there is an off-field coach who can provide support, advice and directions for corrective action.  Ultimately, if the team is not performing effectively as a team, the Coach can and will remove and replace members in an effort to assure success.

The Inter-Organizational Team

On the other hand, think of a inter-organizational team as an NBA All-Star, Collegiate All-American or U.S. Olympic basketball team.  This team is not part of any formal hierarchical structure.  The Coach/Leader is normally selected by a League, NCAA or Olympic committee.  The coach doesn’t get to select his team members/players.   They are usually selected by others: sportswriters, fans, coaches of other teams.  Players may or may not be made available depending on the views of their home team or coach and the purpose of the event---publicity, raise funds for charity, honor the players.  While the selection process normally assures that the players have complementary skills---best forward, short shot maker, long shot maker, rebounder, defender, etc.---they may never have played together.  Thus, the Coach must lead them through a team-building process in the short time available before the event.   While a Captain may be named for on-court leadership, the team probably has not developed or practiced a full set of plays or offensive and defensive tactics for him to call.  Thus, when on the court, the team is basically a “self-directed team”.  Each member is mutually accountable and responsible for assessing the situation and taking the lead, as appropriate, to decide how to bring the ball down the court, move and pass to set up shots, when to shoot and who will rebound.  When one player is having an off day at lay-ups, another must take the lead and hit with his long shots.  Replacements are few and infrequently made.