What Makes Some Teams High Performing?

[JoelR]

Fostering a robust team culture is a top priority for community leaders. What precisely constitutes a strong team culture? Grounded in extensive research, three pivotal elements emerge as the cornerstones of cultivating and safeguarding a thriving team culture.

1. Psychological Safety

Central to any high-performing team is the concept of psychological safety. This foundation reflects the degree to which team members feel secure in expressing themselves, asking questions, voicing concerns, engaging in constructive disagreements, and even making mistakes without fear of repercussions. When psychological safety prevails, a transformation occurs. Diverse perspectives flourish, and individuals are more inclined to intervene and express their opinions or concerns proactively, thus preempting potential errors.

A tangible example of this is Google's Aristotle Project, which revealed that teams with high levels of psychological safety significantly outperformed their peers. Leaders fostered an environment where all voices were valued, and this inclusivity unlocked innovation and creativity.

2. Common Goals

A well-cultivated team culture hinges on the clarity and alignment of common goals. Each team member should grasp how their individual expertise and responsibilities interlock with the team's overall performance and its role within the broader organizational context. These shared objectives not only provide a sense of purpose but also establish a clear roadmap for collaboration.

For instance, the successful Mars Rover missions by NASA exemplify common goals in action. Diverse specialists unite with a unified vision to explore and expand human understanding of space. Each member recognizes their role in achieving the mission's overarching objectives.

3. Prosocial Purpose

Going beyond merely understanding the purpose of their work, employees yearn to comprehend the impact of their contributions on society. Prosocial purpose transcends self-interest; it involves recognizing how one's work serves the greater good. This awareness ignites a collective sense of focus and motivation within the team.

A case in point is Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company known for its commitment to environmental activism. Team members, driven by a deep prosocial purpose, rally behind the brand's mission to save our planet. This shared sense of purpose fuels their unwavering dedication and commitment to environmental causes.

 

In conclusion, building a robust team culture revolves around these three essential elements: psychological safety, common goals, and prosocial purpose. Embracing and nurturing these elements empowers teams to reach new heights of performance, collaboration, and community impact.

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[Maria]

It is a universal truth that no one wants to work for free. If they are not getting financial reward, they at least want a a name for themselves. If there is a reward, the team will always perform better. If the team is not receiving anything for their hard work, why on earth would they work hard to perform better.