The Hidden Skill That Separates Great Teams While Google’s researchers expected to find differences in intelligence or expertise between high and low-performing teams, they discovered something more subtle but equally powerful: the best teams were exceptionally good at reading emotions and nonverbal cues. This ability, called “average social sensitivity,” proved to be a critical ingredient…
The Great Team Composition Myth For decades, managers have operated under a simple assumption: put your smartest, most talented people together, and you’ll get the best results. Google’s Project Aristotle shattered this conventional wisdom with a surprising discovery that changed how we think about team building forever. When Google’s researchers analyzed 180 teams across the…
The Missing Piece in Google’s Discovery Google’s Project Aristotle revolutionized our understanding of team performance by identifying psychological safety, equal voice, and social sensitivity as the key drivers of team success. But the research left one crucial question unanswered: How do teams actually develop and maintain these behaviors consistently, especially under pressure? The answer lies…
Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have in business—it’s a neurobiological necessity for high performance. When team members trust their leader and each other, their brains literally function differently, enabling better decision-making, creativity, and collaboration. Understanding the neuroscience behind trust gives leaders practical tools to build higher-performing teams. Neuroscience research reveals that trust activates the brain’s reward…
The Surprising Pattern in Great Teams Among all the factors Google’s researchers analyzed, one pattern stood out with remarkable consistency: in the most effective teams, members spoke in roughly equal proportions. This wasn’t about perfect mathematical equality or rigid time-keeping. Instead, it was about ensuring that over time, everyone’s voice was heard and valued. This…
Effective communication in the workplace goes far beyond exchanging information—it’s about creating emotional synchronization that enables true understanding and collaboration. Co-regulation, the process by which people influence each other’s emotional states, is the hidden factor that determines whether communication builds connections or creates confusion and conflict. Most communication breakdowns in organizations aren’t about lack of…
Introduction Our early relationships, particularly with our caregivers, have a profound impact on the way we connect with others throughout our lives. One of the most important aspects of these early bonds is attachment – the emotional connection that forms between us and those who care for us. Secure attachment, a concept first introduced in…
Introduction The Window of Tolerance is a concept that helps us understand how our bodies and minds respond to stress and emotional experiences. It refers to the zone in which we can function effectively—mentally, emotionally, and physically—without feeling overwhelmed. When we are within our window, we can process and respond to situations calmly, think clearly,…
Emotional trauma experienced in childhood can have a lasting impact on how we communicate as adults. When children face trauma—whether from abuse, neglect, or other distressing experiences—their ability to process and express emotions can be compromised. These early wounds often shape how we perceive and interact with others, influencing our communication patterns later in life….
Leadership in any organization is more than just managing tasks and driving profits; it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and safe to contribute their best work. In many ways, being a CEO or leader is similar to being a father or parent. Just as a father provides safety, guidance, and support…