Team Dynamics

Teams are formed to solve a problem, make a critical decision, or fix a situation. A successful team brings together a diverse set of people with experiences and expertise to uncover new solutions. The more effective the team is in using unique perspectives, the more successful the team.

Two roadblocks get in the way of effective team performance.

1. Common Knowledge Effect is when teams spend more time discussing the common knowledge known by all members, as opposed to the unique knowledge individual team members bring to finding solutions.
2. Over-Weighting Status is when teams give more weight to the perspective of higher status team members and pay less attention to ideas offered by lower status team members.

The research is clear that the amount of time spent talking in a meeting amounts to “getting credit” for contributing to the team’s outcome. Those who talk the most, get the most credit. Don’t talk just to talk — talk strategically. Silence prevents the team from benefitting from your knowledge. By speaking up and using airtime wisely, you increase the odds that your team will hear your contributions.

Supporting and advocating for the voices of lower status members of the team will increase your standing.

In a team setting, women’s expertise is more heavily scrutinized, especially in stereotypically male-dominated domains. However, when another member of the group asks a woman expert to contribute her perspective, she is seen as more influential and competent. This is a double win, as the person who solicits her expertise is also viewed more favorably.

1. Share your expertise. Good team outcomes rely on leveraging the expertise of all team members, including your own. If your knowledge is not being heard in meetings, find a trusted teammate and commit to supporting each other:
   • Jumping into the conversation early.
   • Repeating what you said if it goes unheard.
   • Giving evidence supporting your points.
   • Remember, airtime translates into perceived influence. Get credit for your ideas so your contributions can be leveraged and heard.
2. Enlist early support. Early support, especially with new ideas, can help get your expertise heard in team meetings. With this same trusted teammate, find a few more members of your team and share your ideas ahead of a formal meeting. Let them know how you formulated this point so they can support you once everyone is together.
3. Engage others. As a team leader, draw out your quieter team members, especially those who may have unique knowledge. Ensure all members get their share of airtime and prevent valuable ideas from being discounted. You can help fill in the gaps when team members forget to bring their expertise to the team discussion.
   • At any level — member or leader — you can solicit input from others. This validates their expertise and elevates your status in the meeting.

The most effective teams create a culture where individuals feel their ideas are heard. Expect every team member to contribute ideas and expertise to decisions.