The concept of Extra-Dependent Teams completely reframes how we think about teams in organisations. It replaces the single conventional mental model that all teams can be defined in the same way with a new plural model that all teams can be defined in one of two ways. These two definitions are, "working together to achieve a common goal" for Inter-Dependent Teams and "learning together to develop a common practice" for Extra-Dependent Teams. They originate from the schools of thought around Teams and Communities of Practice. Organisations are increasingly complex with networked structures that mean staff are typically members of at least two teams simultaneously. The single conventional model typically works in complex organisations by prioritising one team over another. Conversely the plural model of Inter and Extra-Dependent Teams explains multiple team membership very well - indeed it makes it a key part of understanding of each type of team. In doing so the plural model makes what is complex for the single model, simpler. The model of Extra-Dependent Teams is based on 25 years of research into Communities of Practice. Writers on Communities of Practice seek to distinguish the model from managed teams in order to establish a unique position between teams in organisations. But the concept of Extra-Dependent Teams recognises that the dynamics of Communities of Practice also occur within formalised teams.