Research

Being immersed in multidisciplinary teams, Sarah is constantly thinking and talking about their performance and potential. Here are some personal perspectives from daily ruminations on the question: what makes the best MDTs, the best?

Here are some personal perspectives from daily ruminations on the question: what makes the best MDTs, the best?

• Leading with ghosts: how the past shapes the future of multidisciplinary teams
• Mastering multidisciplinary teams: evidence-based strategies for Australian law firms.
• Why the way we see each other shapes how we perform.
• Why the future of work is already here: my perspective on Atlassian’s report, The State of Teams.
• The language of success: why words matter for leaders of a multidisciplinary team.
• Why I started This Multidisciplinary Life.
• Why leaders need to take an ‘orchestral approach’ to measuring the success of your MDT.

Drawing on extensive and wide-reaching professional experience, Sarah helps multidisciplinary teams thrive in all environments. If you’re building or leading a multidisciplinary team, Sarah fosters innovation and collaboration for high-level performance.

Sarah’s research has predominantly focused on the legal sector. Her Distinguished Fellowship through the Centre for Legal Innovation examined the question; ‘can lawyers better solve problems for their clients when working in multidisciplinary teams?’

Over a year-long research project, Sarah interviewed a range of leading minds working in the legal sector, while deep diving into other industries to understand what makes multidisciplinary teams so compelling.

You can find Sarah’s research blog posts and a three-part podcast created as part of the Legalpreneurs Sandbox below.

Sarah’s writing for the Centre for Legal Innovation:

• Is there a place for multidisciplinary teams in the legal profession?
• Can legal matters be solved better within multidisciplinary teams?
• What characteristics do you need in a successful multidisciplinary team involving lawyers?
• How to start building a multidisciplinary team in a law firm

Sarah’s three-part podcast for the Legalpreneurs Sandbox:

• Could multidisciplinary teams help us serve our clients better in the legal profession?
• What characteristics make up a successful multidisciplinary team in the legal profession?
• Could multidisciplinary teams help us serve our clients better in the legal profession?

Over the course of this year, I shared book recommendations with The Multidisciplinary Leader community – a fortnightly newsletter delivered to your inbox providing you with unconventional leadership recommendations, research relevant to multidisciplinary teams, and some personal stories.

As an end of year treat, here's the eclectic mix of book recommendations all in one place and with easy links so you can grab the book or the audiobook for your next summer adventure.

• A Calendar of Wisdom — Leo TolstoyLeaders of multidisciplinary teams who need a daily moment of calm will find this book grounding. It helps you slow down, think clearly and make steady decisions across different disciplines.
• Atlas of the Heart — Brené Brown If you lead multidisciplinary teams and want to build psychological safety, this book gives you the language to do it. It helps you handle emotion, connection and tricky conversations with more confidence.
• Exploratory Writing — Alison Jones Anyone working in multidisciplinary teams who needs a simple way to clear their head will find this useful. It helps you untangle problems without more meetings or extra pressure.
• Good to Great — Jim Collins Leaders who want strong, long term culture in multidisciplinary teams will get a lot from this book. It offers a clear and research based guide to building performance across different skill sets.
• Hidden Potential — Adam Grant Leaders who want their multidisciplinary teams to grow and succeed will find this book helpful. It shows how everyday people can excel when the right systems lift them up.
• No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention — Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer Leaders rethinking trust, autonomy and performance in multidisciplinary teams will enjoy this book. It shows how to give people freedom while still keeping clear accountability.
• Reset: How to Change What's Not Working — Dan Heath Anyone working in multidisciplinary teams who knows something is not right will find a way forward here. It gives you clear steps to understand the problem and make real change.
• Secret Tradecraft of Elite Advisors — David C. Baker Specialists working in multidisciplinary teams will find this a guide for making clear and confident contributions. It helps you work with complex stakeholders and be heard.
• Strong Ground — Brené Brown Leaders in multidisciplinary teams who need calm during uncertain times will find strength in this book. It helps you stay steady so your team feels supported.
• The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking — Edward B. Burger & Michael Starbird The pragmatism of this book has never left me. I first read it nearly twelve years ago and it's still a book I return to for simple tools and a reminder to think clearly. If you're working in a multidisciplinary team, this book is perfect for finding ways to solve problems together.
• The Art of Gathering — Priya Parker Leaders who run meetings, workshops or offsites for multidisciplinary teams will find this book inspiring. It shows how to design moments that build real connection and purpose.
• The Creative Act — Rick Rubin Team members in multidisciplinary environments who want more creativity in their work will enjoy this book. It treats creativity as a habit anyone can grow.
• The Dip — Seth Godin Leaders deciding if they should keep going or change direction will find this book useful. It helps you tell the difference between a temporary challenge and a real dead end. Plus, it's a super short read or listen!
• Trillion Dollar Coach — Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg & Alan Eagle If you're a leader who wants coaching to be part of your everyday work, then you will learn a lot from this book. Schmidt, Rosenberg, and Eagle show us how to build trust, lift performance and support people across different disciplines.

Happy reading!