Team chemistry: The secret sauce to supercharged productivity!

The chemistry between the members of a work team is almost as important as the combined talent of each member.

Good communication, trust in each other, shared values, and even humour influence performance. We're not talking about professionalism (that's a given), but about how teams operate daily. Antipathy among some (or all) members, gossip, and toxic behaviours all undermine productivity.

The concept of "team chemistry" refers to the interpersonal relationships, specifically cohesion, among work team members. While individual talent and skills are undoubtedly important, the synergy and collaboration that arise from strong team chemistry can significantly enhance productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction.

The building blocks of team chemistry

In a team with good "chemistry" and cohesive dynamics, members are more willing to support and trust each other, contributing to a better environment and more effective problem-solving. Chemistry positively impacts team performance, especially in tasks requiring high levels of interdependence and coordination.

According to a Gallup report, teams that support each other experience a significant increase in productivity. Specifically, they are estimated to have 10% to 20% higher productivity compared to teams that do not foster support and collaboration.

The study "Happiness and Work," conducted by the Sustainable Growth Consultancy, asserts that having happy workers leads to an 88% increase in productivity. Additionally, employee engagement and talent retention in these environments can increase by up to 41%.

Employee engagement and well-being are crucial factors in workplace performance. When employees feel supported by their peers and leaders, they are more willing to contribute positively and strive to achieve team goals. Furthermore, trust and mutual collaboration create an environment conducive to creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving.

The impact of chemistry on team performance

Fostering strong team chemistry is essential for maximising the potential of a work team. By prioritising communication, trust, collaboration, and diversity, organisations can create an environment where team members thrive and achieve collective success.

For Ricardo Tayar López, CEO and founder of Flat 101, this is a key element in the success of any project, venture, or negotiation. "It is not a popular opinion, but if there is no 'feeling' in a project or business, the chances of success are significantly reduced," he said.

The chemistry between people participating in a project is a crucial variable for its success, its perceived value, and it is something that those responsible for projects, companies, and businesses must work on.

The concept of "chemistry" in work teams is analogous to that in sports teams. There are numerous examples of the performance of great soccer stars, who shine or dim depending on the context and the teammates around them. For example, analysts have noted that Leo Messi, the Argentine player, performed much better with the Catalan team Barcelona than when he played for the national team of his country of origin: Argentina.

The reason, according to several analysts, is that in the first team there was cohesion, i.e., chemistry, with his teammates, many of whom he had known and played with since he was very young. In his country's national team, on the other hand, Messi's performance declined, even though he remained the same world-class star.

Patrick Lencioni, author of "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," emphasises the importance of trust and vulnerability in building strong team chemistry. He argues that teams must be willing to engage in open and honest communication to foster genuine connections. Margaret Heffernan, a renowned business leader and author, also highlights the importance of diversity in team chemistry. She suggests that teams composed of individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives are more likely to generate innovative ideas and approaches.

An article published on emprenderoresnews.com notes that a team with good "chemistry" is based on two behavioural pillars: social sensitivity and inclusiveness. The first is the ability to perceive the feelings of teammates. A group with this trait will enjoy a higher quality of communication. Moreover, socially sensitive people tend to be more empathetic, which creates a warmer and more productive work environment.

Cultivating team chemistry: Strategies for success

You are not always lucky enough to belong to or lead a work group with good "chemistry." However, unless there is a totally toxic environment or element, there are strategies to develop that cohesion and trust, which will result, in the long run, in a better environment, well-being, and performance.

Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone and expectations in the workplace. From their position, they can help strengthen mutual support. Here are some actions they can develop:

Encourage open communication

Create a culture where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas, concerns, and feedback without fear of judgment. Negative criticism or "punishment" for mistakes does not serve this purpose. Eliminate them from your way of managing a team and its working dynamics.

Foster trust and psychological safety

Establishing trust is crucial for building strong team chemistry. Leaders can promote trust by being transparent, reliable, and supportive. Each person should feel free and safe to give their opinion and contribute their ideas, without fear, but always with respect and in a constructive manner.

Promote teamwork and collaboration

Encourage collaborative efforts by assigning tasks that require team members to work together toward a common goal. Celebrate team successes and acknowledge individual contributions.

Invest in team-building activities

Organise team-building exercises, retreats, or workshops designed to strengthen bonds and improve communication skills.

Embrace diversity

Recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experiences within the team. Encourage inclusivity and respect for differences to enhance creativity and innovation.

Measure and evaluate

Regularly assess team dynamics and morale through surveys, interviews, or facilitated discussions. Look for indicators of trust, communication effectiveness, and overall satisfaction. Monitor team performance metrics and compare them to benchmarks to evaluate the impact of improved chemistry on productivity and outcomes.