Many groups calling themselves teams are actually "TINOs" (Teams In Name Only) — collections of individuals focused on their own functional KPIs rather than collective goals. Transforming them into real teams needs three critical elements: a shared goal that transcends individual targets, genuine interdependence through cross-functional strategies, and executing together on making work visible and collaborative.

Three reasons to listen

• Identify the telltale signs you’re in a Team in Name Only
• Transform TINO behaviour into genuine teamwork
• Build psychological safety and interdependence amongst team members so they feel supported rather than isolated

Episode highlights

• [00:01:58] What is a TINO?
• [00:05:31] Defining a clear team
• [00:10:27] The challenges of increased visibility
• [00:12:53] You don't need to wait for a crisis

Links

• Track and improve your team performance with Squadify
• Leave us a voice note

Teams often struggle with hidden dysfunctions that disguise themselves as positive behaviours, like pretending everything’s fine when it isn't, making decisions in corridors rather than as a team, and heaping blame on a single person rather than addressing systemic issues.

These patterns are particularly insidious because they hide under seemingly good intentions, making them difficult to spot and address.

Noj Hinkins is a team coach and leadership development consultant. He’s been working with senior teams for the past 15-20 years, typically at director level and above, doing one-on-one coaching, team building, and leadership development work. He specialises in identifying dysfunctions that can hold teams back.

Three reasons to listen

• Recognise when toxic positivity is preventing your team from addressing real problems and creating a disconnect between team members
• Identify and eliminate covert processes that override team decisions
• Spot scapegoating patterns where teams blame one person for systemic issues

Episode highlights

• [00:12:50] Team patterns in 2026
• [00:14:19] Toxic positivity
• [00:24:23] Covert process
• [00:30:33] Scapegoating
• [00:41:39] What to do first if you spot these patterns
• [00:43:34] Noj's media recommendation
• [00:44:53] Takeaways from Dan and Pia

Links

• Covert Processes at Work, by Robert Marshak
• So Far So Good, by the Blue Moon – Noj’s media recommendation
• Track and improve your team performance with Squadify
• Leave us a voice note

In a working world where the conversation is increasingly dominated by AI, we need to consciously prioritise human connection and old-school practices, like face-to-face conversations, physical books, and time for deep thinking, to avoid becoming trapped in a cycle of constant acceleration that ultimately undermines our wellbeing and what makes us fundamentally human.

Jon Whittle is the former CEO of CSIRO's Data61, Australia's national AI research and development centre. He led a team of around 500 scientists, engineers and support staff across Australia. Jon’s working is transitioning to helping organisations understand and adopt AI in an effective, human-centred way, particularly with boards and leadership teams.

Three reasons to listen

• To reframe AI adoption around human needs rather than pure efficiency
• To discover the risks of outsourcing human connection to AI
• Ao learn how to adopt old-school practices that preserve your humanity

Episode highlights

• [00:10:24] Leading hundreds of scientists and engineers
• [00:13:14] What it means to be human in an AI world
• [00:23:25] The danger of sharing problems with AI rather than other humans
• [00:31:33] What Jon has learned from classical Indian dance
• [00:36:18] AI for Business
• [00:39:55] Jon's media recommendation
• [00:42:06] Takeaways from Pia and Dan

Links

• Connect with Jon via LinkedIn
• AI for Business – Jon’s book
• CSIRO presents: Everyday AI – Jon’s podcast
• Turning Down the Noise – Jon’s media recommendation
• Track and improve your team performance with Squadify
• Leave us a voice note