What makes teams truly successful? After 30 years of study, the answer is surprisingly simple. It's not about talent, intelligence, or experience. It's about something we often don't pay attention to.
Dr. Vanessa Druskat, a psychologist and professor of organizational behavior at the University of New Hampshire, has spent more than three decades studying teams, from small companies to large organizations, across industries. She says the secret to success lies not in the individuals, but in the way they interact.
Over the years, she has analyzed different teams, in different companies and industries, taking a close look at what makes some of them perform better than others. Her conclusion is this: what makes the difference is norms .
In simple terms, norms are “what is considered normal” within a team. How people communicate, how they react to each other, how they resolve conflicts, or how they support each other.
According to Druska, these norms are the most important factor determining a team's behavior. Because, in practice, people are more influenced by what others around them do than by individual character or abilities.
According to Druska, to build a strong team, three main norms must be established.
The first is about understanding each other . When people feel understood and part of a team, they feel more confident and collaborate better. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of colleagues creates a dynamic where everyone supports the other.
The second is caring for each other. It is very difficult for a person to give their best in a team where they do not feel appreciated.
The third is addressing problematic behaviors . Many leaders want to focus immediately on problems, but without first building trust and understanding, this becomes much more difficult. When people feel respected and supported, they are more open to criticism and improvement.
In the end, the message is clear: it's not the extraordinary individuals that create a successful team, but the way they build relationships and work together every day.
