A recent study by Google found that the single most important predictor of a team’s success was not intelligence, experience, or even work ethic–it was social cohesion. In other words, teams that were more connected to each other were also more successful. The researchers speculated that this was because teams with strong social ties were better able to communicate and collaborate. They were also more likely to trust and support each other, creating a positive feedback loop that further boosted performance. While there are many factors that contribute to a team’s success, it seems clear that fostering social connections should be a top priority.
There are a few simple ways to encourage social interactions in the workplace.
- Make sure to schedule regular team-building activities. These can be anything from group lunches to charitable activities.
- Create opportunities for all employees to interact with each other throughout the day. This could involve open office layouts, communal areas for breaks, or regular company-wide events.
- Encourage employees to get to know each other on a personal level. This could involve sharing interests or stories during team meetings.
By creating an environment where team members feel supported and connected, we can set the stage for truly exceptional results.
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