Google Spent Years Researching 180 Teams. The Most Successful of Them Shared 1 Remarkable Trait
Google's big question: Why do some teams excel while others flop?
By marcel Schwantes
Google has spent years, collected tons of data, and invested millions trying to better understand its people. One of its most prolific projects, Project Aristotle, aimed to crack the code on what makes a team super effective.
Google's big question: Why do some teams excel while others flop?
Like many other companies, Google execs initially thought the best teams were made by putting together the best people. Makes sense, right? Get the top engineer, mix in an MBA, add a PhD, and you've got the dream team. But Google's people analytics (HR) team found out that they were dead wrong.
Google's HR team pulled in statisticians, organizational psychologists, sociologists, engineers, and researchers to study superteams further.
Starting in 2012, Google spent two years dissecting 250 different attributes from their 180 teams.
But even after all that, there was no clear pattern to create the ultimate team.
According to an article in The New York Times, the breakthrough came when Google's HR team started looking at some less obvious factors. They kept coming across research that focused on what are known as 'group norms' - the traditions, behavioral standards, and unwritten rules that govern how teams function when they gather.
Project Aristotle's researchers went back to their data to find these hidden norms and customs. They had already nailed down four key factors for a successful team: dependability, structure and clarity, meaning, and impact.
But they felt like something was still missing. Then they came across Amy Edmondson's work on Psychological Safety, and it was like finding the coveted missing piece.
They discovered that of the 180 teams they studied, those with a strong sense of psychological safety were much better at creating an environment where people felt safe sharing their ideas and opinions. This led to more productive conversations and fresh, innovative solutions.
The power of psychological safety
We've all been in meetings where we didn't ask questions or share ideas because we were worried about looking dumb. It's tough when you feel like everything you say or do is being judged.
Now, picture a different kind of environment. One where it's totally okay to take risks, share your thoughts, and ask questions without worrying about judgment. A place where managers have your back and create a safe space so you can be yourself. That's what we mean by psychological safety.
Google found that teams with this kind of safe environment have employees who are less likely to quit, better at using diverse perspectives, and ultimately, more successful.
Here are three practical ways leaders can foster more psychological safety in their workplace:
Be Open and Approachable: Make it clear that it's totally okay to speak up and share ideas. Encourage team members to voice their thoughts and questions, and really listen to what they're saying. Create a vibe where everyone feels comfortable bringing up concerns without worrying about getting shot down.
Show Your Human Side: Don't be afraid to admit when you don't have all the answers or when you've made a mistake. When you're open about your own slip-ups, it makes it easier for others to feel safe doing the same. It's about showing that being real and imperfect is totally fine.
Check Your Biases: Be aware of any biases you might have and ensure everyone gets a fair shake. This means being mindful of who's getting heard and who's not and making sure everyone feels included and respected. If you spot any issues, tackle them head-on.
Imagine how much time and resources would be saved if your organization improved psychological safety. Imagine if all employees, especially those from underrepresented groups, felt more comfortable sharing ideas and contributing their whole selves.
Building the perfect team can be tricky, but focusing on creating a psychologically safe space can seriously boost your chances of building an awesome team.