In today’s fast-paced and collaborative work environments, team engagement isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation for success. A disengaged team struggles with communication gaps, misunderstandings, and inefficiency, while an engaged team fosters innovation, trust, and productivity.
In Nine Behaviors for Better Team Engagement, I outline the behaviors essential to transforming the way teams interact and collaborate. Eight of these nine behaviors come from the work of Organizational Psychologist Roger Schwartz and cultivate a mutual learning mindset that emphasizes openness, curiosity, and accountability.
Let’s explore why implementing these behaviors is crucial for your team’s success.
- Listen to Understand
Listening goes beyond hearing words—it’s about truly understanding the speaker’s perspective. Too often, teams listen to respond rather than to understand. When leaders and team members engage in active listening, they build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and create a culture of respect.
🔹 Why it matters: Without true listening, assumptions arise, leading to miscommunication and disengagement. A team that listens well fosters inclusivity and strengthens relationships.
- State Views and Ask Genuine Questions
Encouraging open dialogue where team members clearly state their viewpoints while also asking questions with genuine curiosity leads to deeper discussions. This practice avoids rhetorical or leading questions that can shut down meaningful conversations.
🔹 Why it matters: When people feel heard and know their perspectives are valued, they contribute more openly, leading to better decision-making and stronger collaboration.
- Share Relevant Information
Transparency is key to building trust within a team. Holding back information—whether intentionally or unintentionally—can create confusion and resentment. Teams should freely share relevant information so that everyone can make informed decisions.
🔹 Why it matters: When teams are transparent, they reduce the risk of misalignment and build a culture of accountability.
- Use Specific Examples and Define Terms
Abstract language and ambiguous terms can lead to confusion. By using specific examples and ensuring everyone has a shared understanding of key terms, teams can eliminate misunderstandings and align more effectively.
🔹 Why it matters: Clarity in communication prevents unnecessary conflicts and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
- Explain Reasoning and Intent
When team members explain the “why” behind their decisions, it promotes transparency and builds trust. Often, teams make assumptions about others’ reasoning, which can lead to misunderstandings.
🔹 Why it matters: By sharing intent, teams reduce defensiveness and create an open dialogue where feedback and differing opinions are welcomed.
- Focus on Interests, Not Positions
A common barrier to collaboration is when individuals become too attached to their own positions rather than focusing on the underlying interests of the team. By shifting focus to shared goals, teams can work together to find solutions that benefit everyone.
🔹 Why it matters: This mindset reduces conflicts and fosters creative problem-solving rather than unproductive power struggles.
- Test Assumptions and Inferences
Many conflicts arise from unverified assumptions. When teams practice questioning their assumptions and verifying information before acting on it, they avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
🔹 Why it matters: Encouraging curiosity and fact-checking leads to more thoughtful decision-making and prevents knee-jerk reactions based on incorrect information.
- Jointly Design Next Steps
Rather than having one person dictate the next steps, teams should collaboratively decide on action plans that consider everyone’s input. This shared responsibility enhances commitment and accountability.
🔹 Why it matters: When team members feel ownership over next steps, they are more engaged and motivated to follow through.
- Discuss Undiscussable Issues
Many teams shy away from difficult conversations. However, addressing issues openly rather than avoiding them leads to a healthier, more productive team environment. When uncomfortable topics are surfaced constructively, trust and transparency grow.
🔹 Why it matters: Ignoring tough issues breeds resentment and can lead to deeper conflicts. Tackling them head-on helps teams grow and strengthen relationships.
Final Thoughts: Building a Culture of Mutual Learning
Implementing these nine behaviors requires commitment and consistency over an extended period. When practiced together, they enhance engagement, improve team dynamics, and foster a psychologically safe workplace where creativity and collaboration thrive.
As you reflect on these behaviors, ask yourself:
✔️ Which of these does your team already practice?
✔️ Which ones need improvement?
✔️ What small steps can you take today to build a more engaged and effective team?
By adopting these behaviors, your team will not only work smarter but also build a culture where trust, innovation, and collaboration become the norm. Start small, be intentional, and watch your team engagement soar! 🚀
Visit my resource page to download the PDF on Nine Behaviors for Better Team Engagement.
Recent Comments