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Teamthe is a term used in management literature to describe a collaborative work approach that centers on small, cross-functional teams with shared leadership and accountability. It is not a product or platform, but a framework for organizing teams and processes to pursue a common objective.

Origins and usage: The term emerged in the 2010s as organizations experimented with flat or networked structures. It is applied in software development, education, nonprofit, and corporate contexts to denote a method of aligning people, tasks, and goals.

Core principles include cross-functional composition, equal voice in decision making, transparency, shared metrics, iterative decision-making, and continuous improvement.

Structure and practices: Teams are typically 4-9 members; roles are flexible; leadership may rotate; decision-making often uses consensus, sociocratic methods, or defined escalation; work is tracked on shared dashboards; meetings are time-boxed.

Impact and critique: Proponents cite improved alignment and faster feedback; critics warn of slower decisions, ambiguity, and dependence on culture; success hinges on governance, clear accountability, and appropriate scope.