Worklife with Adam Grant
How to design teams that don’t suck
Oct 8, 2024
Anita Woolley, an expert on team dynamics, and Richard Hackman, Adam Grant’s mentor and a leading authority on team effectiveness, join Mike Arruzzioni, the captain of the 'Miracle on Ice' hockey team. They explore how the right team design and shared goals can drive high performance. Insights from the miraculous 1980 Olympic victory reveal that success hinges on collaboration and clear roles. The trio also emphasizes the importance of reflection and a supportive environment for fostering team cohesion and individual growth.
37:43
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Quick takeaways
- Effective team performance relies on intentional design, including clearly defined roles and shared objectives, rather than solely on team dynamics.
- Shared experience among team members fosters better communication and cooperation, leading to improved performance over mere individual talent.
Deep dives
The Underdog Journey
The U.S. men's hockey team in the 1980 Winter Olympics was initially viewed as an underdog against the experienced Soviet team, which had a strong track record of success. Faced with overwhelming odds, the U.S. team focused not on winning but on making it to the medal round, fostering a rallying spirit among teammates. As they began to win unexpected matches, confidence grew within the group, leading them to ultimately face the Soviet team for the gold medal. This transformation from underdog status to genuine contenders instilled a collective belief that played a crucial role in their victory.
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