The Phillips 66 Technique for Teamwork

The Phillips 66 technique is a teamwork dynamic in which all the members of a group participate in the decision-making process and reach agreements together.
The Phillips 66 Technique for Teamwork
María Matilde

Written and verified by the pedagogue and trainer María Matilde.

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Isn’t it motivating to work with a team and row in the same direction with a group of friends or workmates? It surely is! That’s why the so-called Phillips 66 technique has precisely that purpose. Its goal is that the members of a group can understand each other and cooperate to reach common objectives.

What is the Phillips 66 technique?

The Phillips 66 technique or group dynamic can be used to work with numerous groups or with a group of at least six members. Basically, groups are divided into subgroups of six members. They each hold a six-minute discussion about a topic and reach an agreement.

Teamwork skills can actually be learned and prove useful in different life scenarios. In this sense, the Phillip 66 technique can be used in the school as well as in the workplace. Its goal is to teach the members of a team to make quick decisions to achieve an objective.

The Phillips 66 Technique for Teamwork
So, the aim of the Phillips 66 dynamic is that people participate, debate, and get a lot of information in a short period of time. To do that, it’s important to clarify and write down the subject or question of the discussion.

Steps to follow to implement the Phillips 66 technique

The process that should take place to implement this technique is the following:

  • If numerous, the group will be divided into subgroups of six people. If the original group is smaller but there are still more than six members in it, there will only be one group.
  • The person conducting the technique should explain what the method is all about and what the code of conduct is. This person shall be the one formulating the question or topic that will be in debate.
  • One secretary should be chosen for each group or subgroup. This person will be the one checking the time. He’ll also be the one taking notes of what the other members are explaining.
  • The development should be as follows: each member of the group will explain his or her opinions, ideas, or arguments in short. Next, the different positions will be discussed and a summary of the specific topic will be developed.

The importance of the Phillips 66 technique to improve teamwork

The Phillips 66 technique allows the development of teamwork dynamics that facilitate and promote intervention and decision-making inside the group. In other words, it helps the members of a team take part in a succinct discussion about a specific topic. It also helps them make rational use of time.

Teamwork is an important methodological tool to create synergy in groups of people. In particular, the Phillips 66 dynamic proves useful as it encourages participants to work collaboratively. In this way, a functioning group is more than just its members’ contributions.

Not only does the Phillips 66 technique help debate, decide and reach quick agreements, but it also helps members develop their summary skills. This means that group members learn to organize coherent, concrete discourses to explain their points of view.

“None of us are as good alone as we are with an amazing team of people.”

Lisa Lutoff Perlo –

The Phillips 66 Technique for Teamwork

Benefits of teamwork for children

The Phillips 66 technique is usually applied with adults or older children. However, it’s advisable that children begin developing teamwork skills at an early age. They can do so through group work dynamics, since teaching teamwork skills helps children learn to collaborate and exchange points of view in a respectful and organized way.

By encouraging little children to develop teamwork skills, we’re motivating and stimulating them to overcome their fear to express themselves. It’s an excellent strategy for the development of social and communication skills. Besides, their interdependence is also encouraged – and with that goes their autonomy as well.

Also, by working all together with their classmates, little ones learn values such as responsibility and solidarity: only through teamwork do they learn that things go well depending on what each of them does and what everybody else does. And, who knows? Things may also be fun.

Lastly, it’s important to highlight that teamwork encourages a diversity of opinions and experiences in children. This means they learn to have conversations to reach agreements that are based on acceptance and respect for the differences of thought. In this way, every child is given the same chance of expressing their thoughts and being themselves.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.