Creating better connections in teams

A study at MIT found that the communication patterns of high performing teams are "observable, quantifiable, and measurable". Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

In a Harvard Business Review article, Sandy Pentland of MIT's Human Dynamics Laboratory dives into his team's study of the communication patterns that are "observable, quantifiable, and measurable" in high performing teams. Here is one direct quote that may surprise you:

"With remarkable consistency, the data showed that the most important predictor of a team's success was it's communication patterns. Those patterns were as significant as all other factors - intelligence, personality, talent--combined. In fact, the researchers could foretell which teams would outperform simply by looking at the data on their communication, without even meeting their members."

In other words, if you want a better team, create better connections.

Specifically, Pentland and his team found that the best teams displayed these three patterns:

1. Energy - the number and the nature of exchanges among team members.

2. Engagement - the distribution of energy among team members.

3. Exploration - communication that members engage in outside their team.

Below are the top 5 indicators for creating better connections (lots of people are surprised by #4). How do you rate your team based on these statements?

1. Everyone on the team talks and listens in roughly equal measure, keeping contributions short and sweet.

2. Members face one another, and their conversations and gestures are energetic.

3. Members connect directly with one another - not just with the team leader.

4. Members carry on back-channel or side conversations within the team.

5. Members periodically break, go exploring outside the team, and bring information back.