Team Dynamics and Psychological Safety

Google's experiment on building the perfect team revealed that team composition is less important than how team members interact. Key factors for effective teams include conversational turn-taking and high social sensitivity, which contribute to psychological safety. Loren Michaels' management style at Saturday Night Live exemplifies these principles, fostering a collaborative environment despite high-pressure conditions.

What was Google's initial hypothesis for building the perfect team?

• Selecting the right mix of introverts and extroverts

• Creating a competitive environment

• Encouraging team members to interrupt each other

• Focusing on team interactions

What did Google find to be more important than the composition of the team?

• The team's size

• The way team members interact

• The team's budget

• The team's location

Which norm is crucial for team productivity according to the study?

• High social sensitivity

• Strict adherence to agendas

• Limiting conversation to experts

• Avoiding nonverbal communication

What is the single greatest determinant of a team's success?

• The team's size

• The team's location

• Psychological safety

• The team's budget

How does psychological safety affect team dynamics?

• It discourages nonverbal communication

• It limits the number of people who can speak

• It allows team members to feel safe to speak up

• It encourages competition among team members

What was a key factor in the success of Saturday Night Live's early team?

• The team's small size

• Loren Michaels' leadership

• The team's location

• The team's large budget

What unique method does Loren Michaels use in meetings?

• He limits the number of speakers

• He ensures everyone has a chance to speak

• He focuses only on the agenda

• He avoids discussing personal issues

How does Loren Michaels handle team members who seem upset?

• He asks them to write down their thoughts

• He addresses their concerns privately

• He asks them to leave the meeting

• He ignores them

What is the result of creating an environment of psychological safety?

• More frequent conflicts

• Decreased productivity

• Improved collaboration

• Increased competition

What is the main benefit of ensuring all voices are heard in a team setting?

• It speeds up decision-making

• It creates a sense of equality

• It limits the number of ideas

• It reduces the need for meetings