Surprising Research About High Performing Teams

Mounds of research has been invested in determining what makes a high performing team. Punctuated by Harvard’s Amy Edmondson and Google’s Project Aristotle, much has been made of the distinguishing characteristic of psychological safety. If you’ve ever been on a team or led one, it also makes intuitive sense.

What’s somewhat surprising, but yet very understandable, is another key differentiator: The importance of non-work related conversations between team members. Note the following from an HBR article based on this extensive research:

“High-Performing Teams Invest Time Bonding Over Non-Work Topics

From a managerial standpoint, it’s easy to frown upon workplace conversations that have nothing to do with work. After all, what good can come from employees spending valuable work time chatting about a major sporting event or blockbuster film?

However, research suggests that discussing non-work topics offers major advantages. That’s because it’s in personal conversations that we identify shared interests, which fosters deeper liking and authentic connections.

Within our study, we found that high-performing team members are significantly more likely to spend time at the office discussing non-work matters with their colleagues (25% more) — topics that may extend to sports, books, and family. They’re also significantly more likely to have met their colleagues for coffee, tea, or an alcoholic beverage over the past six months.

In other words, the best teams aren’t more effective because they work all the time. On the contrary: They invest time connecting in genuine ways, which yields closer friendships and better teamwork later on.”

We at Belongify totally concur with all the research in this article. Our targeted, efficient process reinforces all of it in practical, highly impactful ways.

As an example, one area we intentionally focus on is the importance of Connect Before Content. Informal, getting to know each other chit-chat can be supplemented and amplified by well-planned, leader/peer led initiatives to accelerate the route to high performance.

If you're interested in how we do this, learn about our Connect Circles. They are proven to be difference makers for teams. However, only if you want to get even better, faster. Do you have one hour to invest with your team? That’s about how long it takes to facilitate a Connect Circle. Are you up for a low risk, high reward challenge? Leaders, this is how it’s done.

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

Garrett’s View: The best teams might have different expertise, experiences and perspectives, however it’s unity of purpose, values and bonding that help organizations achieve best results. It’s unrealistic to have any desire to help unify a team if you aren’t able to connect, bond, and for lack of a better term - shoot the breeze with each other. Everyone reading this is likely a highly functioning multitasker. Enhance your days by connecting with those around you, you’re better off liking the company you’re spending company time with, because you want to perform for yourself (to stick around, make a positive impact), and for others (keep the team thriving, too). A strategic, meaningful Connect Circle is an outstanding first step.

- Garrett

AI Response: Research confirms that high-performing teams prioritize psychological safety and non-work connections, with studies showing they spend 25% more time bonding over personal topics like sports, family, or shared interests (HBR). These interactions build trust and camaraderie, directly enhancing collaboration and performance. For example, Google’s Project Aristotle found that teams with strong social ties outperform others by up to 50% in productivity metrics. Belongify’s Connect Circles leverage this insight, offering a structured, one-hour session to fast-track team cohesion—proving that intentional, non-work connections aren’t just nice-to-have but critical for success. Want results? Invest in relationships first.

Surprising Research About High Performing Teams

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