A few weeks ago, I highlighted the importance of hiring “A players” for key positions. This is true for roles dependent on individual performance. But creating a high-performing team isn’t about the individuals. It’s about leadership and team dynamics.

Research makes this clear: Google’s Project Aristotle and studies from high-stakes environments such as emergency rooms show that you don’t need “A” players to build an “A” Team. “B” players¹ will do just fine when well led.

Here’s how to transform a group of “B” players into your A team.

The Power of Team Dynamics

In 2012, Google’s Project Aristotle studied hundreds of teams to determine what makes them effective. The key finding? Team success depends less on individual talent and more on how members interact. This aligns with research from emergency rooms, where psychological safety—environments that empower team members to voice concerns—reduces errors. Similarly, military units thrive on clear roles and mutual accountability.

The Five Keys to Team Success

Google identified five elements that define effective teams:

1. Psychological Safety
   This is the foundation of great teams. To summarize, it is about treating people with respect and building trust – even when holding each other accountable and expressing differences. Members need to feel safe to voice ideas, take risks, and admit mistakes without fear. Leaders can foster this by:
   • Encouraging open communication.
   • Modeling vulnerability.
   • Framing failures as learning opportunities.

2. Dependability
   Members must reliably deliver high-quality work on time, building trust and cohesion.
3. Structure and Clarity
   Clear goals and defined roles prevent confusion and keep the team aligned.
4. Meaningful Work
   When tasks connect to personal values and the team’s mission, engagement deepens.
5. Impact
   Members need to see how their work contributes to broader organizational goals.

Strategies to Build an “A” Team

1. Cultivate Team Norms
   Norms are the ‘house rules’ for how you actually all relate and perform. Set expectations for respect, trust, and open dialogue. Actively listen and encourage diverse perspectives. Learn to hold others accountable and embrace disagreements – while staying curious and respectful.
2. Leverage Strengths of “B” Players
   B players offer stability, focus, and adaptability. Recognize and leverage their individual contributions.
3. Promote Empathy
   Create opportunities for team members to understand each other’s perspectives. Empathy means being able to consider and see someone else’s perspective. It doesn’t mean you have to feel what they feel. Empathy helps strengthen connections and improve collaboration.
4. Provide Growth Opportunities
   Invest in skill-building, mentoring, and stretch assignments to develop your team’s potential.
5. Recognize Contributions
   Celebrate achievements and good effort. Everyone can benefit from being encouraged.

Leadership Matters

Great teams don’t happen by chance—they are cultivated through intentional leadership. As Charles Duhigg notes in Smarter Faster Better, “It’s not the individual talent but how people interact and work together that defines team success.” By fostering trust, clarity, and connection, you can transform any group of “B” players into a high-performing “A” team.

What’s one strategy that’s worked for you in building stronger teams?

Take good care,

Christian