Here’s what the experts say matters:

1.     Engagement. Teams who have strengths-based development understand how team member strengths contribute to performance. These teams are more engaged and productive.

Only about a third of US workers are fully engaged. Fully engaged employees have lower absenteeism, lower turnover rates, and higher levels of customer loyalty, business growth, and productivity.

In extraordinary teams, the whole team is fully engaged. And, there's a connection between strengths and engagement. Strengths-based development is a powerful approach that managers can use to build an engaging environment for their teams.

2.     Psychological Safety. High levels of psychological safety where it’s ok to take risks, voice thoughts, and be curious make teams more productive.

In extraordinary teams, two essential elements are highly evident, namely embracing difference and strengthened relationships. Google showed that teams in which team members felt a sense of psychological safety were far more productive.

Extraordinary teams have curiosity as a team value, put ego aside and allow candor to surface. 

3.     Purpose. A clear and obvious purpose gels, guides and inspires a team.

Studies show a mission, or a compelling purpose is highly related to employee cooperation, and creates the climate for innovation, and supports work satisfaction.

Extraordinary teams use their purpose to help guide their strategic decision making and use it as inspiration to conduct day-to-day work.

In a nutshell:

• Engage your team members using a strengths-based approach.

• Have high levels of psychological safety where it’s ok to take risks, voice thoughts, and be curious.

• Use a clear and obvious purpose to gel the team.

See more from Dr. Kevin Coray Co-Author of Extraordinary Teams Inventory