Leveraging the Power of Small, High-Performing Teams

Mike Baumgartner, Sr. Space Operations Strategist at Acuity Innovations LLC

Leveraging the Power of Small, High-Performing Teams

In the dynamic landscape of the U.S. defense enterprise, small, high-performing teams are pivotal for driving mission focus, ownership of outcomes, innovation, and efficiency. These compact teams foster clear communication, swift decision-making, and a strong sense of accountability among members. Research indicates that small teams are more adept at introducing fresh, original ideas in science and technology, while larger teams tend to focus on refining existing ones.

Key aspects of such teams include:

• Clear Mission Alignment: Ensuring that all team members understand and are committed to the overarching defense objectives.

• Diverse Expertise: Bringing together individuals with varied skills and backgrounds to approach problems from multiple perspectives.

• Agility and Adaptability: Maintaining the ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats and changing environments.

• Robust Communication: Facilitating open and continuous information exchange to synchronize efforts and share critical insights.

• Trust and Mutual Respect: Building a culture where team members rely on each other's capabilities and value each contribution.

• Empowerment: Empowering team members to make informed, risk-based decisions fosters a strong sense of ownership, leading to increased productivity and commitment to follow-through. This approach not only enhances individual accountability but also drives innovation and efficiency within the team. Research indicates that organizations where leaders empower others through coaching are nearly four times more likely to make good decisions and outperform industry peers.

At Acuity Innovations, our values and principles align seamlessly with this approach. We emphasize relationships, partnerships, and teamwork, recognizing that trust-based relationships and a people-first philosophy are foundational to our success. By fostering an environment where communication, accountability, respect, and empathy are paramount, we cultivate and empower high-performing teams capable of delivering innovative solutions to complex defense challenges. Our commitment to these principles ensures that we not only meet but exceed the demands of the modern defense landscape.