Task Groups

What’s a Task Group?

A Task Group is a streamlined, goal-oriented team formed to accomplish a specific, well-defined objective. These groups are characterized by their lean structure and focused approach, minimizing overhead and maximizing efficiency. Task Groups are composed of subject matter experts who collaborate to rapidly and effectively achieve their singular goal. This format is ideal for targeted initiatives requiring specialized knowledge and swift execution.

Differences between a Task Group and a Working Group

While both Task Groups and Working Groups are integral to achieving organizational goals, they differ in structure, scope, and function.

Structure and Scope

• Task Group:

  • Focuses on a single, well-defined objective.
  • Composed of subject matter experts collaborating to achieve a specific goal.
  • Lean and agile, with minimal hierarchy and bureaucracy.
  • Ideal for tasks that require rapid, focused execution.

• Working Group:

  • Address broader, high-impact business goals.
  • Typically involves more complex and varied functions across the organization.
  • Has defined roles and responsibilities with a broader scope than Task Groups.
  • Requires an executive sponsor and often involves collaboration across multiple functions.

When to Use Each

• Use a Task Group when:

  • The objective is clear-cut and specific.
  • Speed and efficiency are priorities.
  • The task requires specialized knowledge from experts.
  • The organizational overhead of a Working Group can be avoided.

• Use a Working Group when:

  • The goal is complex and multifaceted, impacting various parts of the organization.
  • The project requires collaboration across different functions and teams.
  • There’s a need for a structured approach with clearly defined roles.
  • The project has strategic importance warranting executive oversight.

Roles and Responsibilities

Task Group Directly Responsible Individual (DRI)

This role is pivotal, with the individual taking full accountability for the group’s success. They coordinate activites, lead meetings, and ensure the group’s objectives are met efficiently. The DRI is the main point of contact and decision-maker for the group, bridging communication and action.

Member

Members are subject matter experts who actively participate in meetings and contribute to task completion. They are responsible for staying informed via the Task Group’s communication channels, sharing insights with peers, and gathering feedback. Members may work independently on tasks within the Task Group or collaborate with others, playing a critical role in driving the group’s task forward.

Guidelines

1. A Task Group is created, in part, to prevent proliferation of working groups.
2. Participation in some Task Groups requires a significant time commitment. Participants should have a clear understanding of their roles and the expectations for their deliverables within the Task Group. They should manage their time and capacity and quickly escalate if they feel unable to serve in or deliver in their role.
3. It is highly recommended that anyone in the Task Group with OKRs aligns them to the effort.

Process

1. Create an MR with an overview page in the task-groups/ directory. Ensure a brief description with an actionable objective is included. It is generally recommended that your manager approves the MR prior to merging.
2. Optionally, create an associated channel in Slack.
3. Announce the creation of the Task Group to the subject matter experts.
4. Interested members can create MRs adding themselves to the Task Group, ensuring that their manager is informed.
5. The DRI can use the Slack channel to set up initial communication guidelines.
6. The group should determine a roadmap for completion of the task, with an expected end date, as soon as they can.
7. Once the task is complete, the Task Group should be disbanded.

Active Task Groups (alphabetic order)

1. CSS Utilities

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