To enhance your team's performance, what should you establish?

Establishing a set of norms that are positive and productive is key to enhancing your team's performance because norms shape the behaviors, expectations, and attitudes within the group. Positive and productive norms encourage collaboration, open communication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose among team members. They create an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute, ultimately leading to better team dynamics and performance.

When team members understand and agree upon these norms, it fosters trust and accountability, which are essential for effective teamwork. This alignment can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts, making it easier for the team to focus on their goals and work efficiently.

In contrast, focusing solely on individual responsibilities might lead to isolation rather than collaboration, while creating a competitive environment can foster rivalry instead of teamwork and may damage relationships. Meanwhile, establishing strict deadlines, without considering the team’s dynamics or well-being, could generate stress and diminish the quality of the output. In this context, the emphasis on positive and productive norms lays the foundation for a healthier, more engaged, and effective team.