How to Build Team Cohesion | The Data-Driven Playbook

Decades of research have demonstrated that cohesive teams don’t just work better together; they perform better.  But the reverse is equally true and teams that lack cohesion are liable to suffer the consequences. In the workplace, these can manifest as misalignment, internal rivalry, and disengagement –  barriers that get in the way of achieving goals and producing results. Regardless of how talented individual team members may be, a team’s true potential is only realized when they work together cohesively, aligning their thoughts, attitudes, and actions toward a common purpose. Drawing from our analysis of over 26,000 teams, we’ll uncover the drivers of team cohesion and equip you with practical strategies to cultivate it within your teams.

Team cohesion is the degree to which team members are aligned, connected, and committed to a shared purpose. This dynamic state reflects the level of unity, trust, and interpersonal connection that unite individuals in a group. In essence, team cohesion is the collective belief that ‘we’re in this together,’ driving both individual commitment and shared accountability that makes team members not only want to show up, but also genuinely invest in each other’s success. Team cohesion is the invisible force that transforms individual members into a high-performing unit capable of achieving extraordinary results.

Team cohesion isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a well-documented driver of performance, directly impacting a team’s effectiveness and ability to achieve its goals. Here’s what the data tells us about the tangible benefits experienced by cohesive teams:

While building team cohesion requires dedicated effort, the payoff is immense. By understanding and fostering team cohesion through research-based strategies, you’ll create a team that not only thrives in the face of adversity but consistently exceeds expectations, achieving a level of shared success that drives both your team and organization forward.

• Welcoming Participation Structure: Teams with explicit group norms and expectations increase active participation. Team members who aren’t sure whether all opinions will be welcome or received without repercussions are much less likely to share ideas or provide constructive criticism.

• Interconnectedness: When team members get along and genuinely enjoy spending time together, they enjoy better collaboration, manage conflict more successfully, and are more likely to remain optimistic in the face of setbacks.

• Team Emotional Intelligence: Teams with high team EQ can handle difficult conversations and will seek feedback about their performance to work more effectively together.

The following strategies represent a data-driven approach to increasing team cohesion by fostering the generative energy factors that positively correlate to team cohesion, as identified by our research team through years of assessing, interviewing, and working with teams from around the globe.

Team leaders may assume that members inherently know they are welcome to participate. However, creating explicit interaction guidelines not only streamlines group functioning but also encourages universal participation. Creating a welcoming participation structure should encompass several key focal points:

• Inclusive Participation Norms – Ensure all team members feel safe sharing their opinions without fear of dismissal or negative consequences.
• Clear Communication Guidelines – Define expectations for equitable speaking and listening, such as avoiding interruptions and dictate how respectful responses should be given.
• Constructive Feedback Culture – Create an environment that encourages open, productive feedback, framing feedback as a tool for growth rather than criticism.

Well-defined processes and procedures can provide clarity and prevent misunderstandings that may otherwise disrupt team cohesion. By creating clear, inclusive participation norms, teams cultivate an environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and motivated to contribute.

Team Emotional Intelligence (Team EQ) refers to the collective ability of a team to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively leverage emotions. The higher a Team EQ, the more positive and inclusive the team environment. The team leader sets the tone for Team EQ by modeling emotionally intelligent behavior, including self-awareness, emotion management, and empathy. However, team members must also develop their own EQ through self-awareness and introspection. Together, this strengthens the collective EQ of the group. Consider the following practices to enhance Team EQ:

• Promote Active Listening – Encourage team members to fully engage with one another, consider different perspectives, and seek to understand the emotions and needs of others.
• Develop Empathy – Encourage individuals to see situations from their teammates’ viewpoints to deepen emotional awareness.
• Create a Feedback Culture – Establish an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing emotional dynamics and sharing experiences in managing emotions.

This intentional development of Team EQ empowers members to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts constructively, and support one another in achieving shared goals. The recognition and appreciation of each other’s emotional states helps to foster stronger interpersonal connections that ultimately strengthen team cohesion.

Creating opportunities for team members to spend time together is essential for strengthening connections, identifying shared values, and improving team cohesion. By thoughtfully structuring these opportunities, facilitators can enhance their impact, strengthen team bonds and accelerate development. Here are some key considerations:

• Create a Collaborative Workspace – If possible, create a physical environment that facilitates interaction, such as open office layouts, shared spaces, and designated collaboration zones that promote interconnectedness.
• Facilitate Team Building Activities – Organize both work-related and social activities that focus on shared interests and experiences, which can help team members connect, build rapport, and gain a deeper understanding of one another.  
• Celebrate Success Together – Acknowledge team milestones and achievements as a group to reinforce the notion that team successes are the result of collective effort.

Beyond the occasional workshop or retreat, it’s important to create a regular stream of opportunities to sustain the team’s energy and reinforce the bonds that have already been forged. Consider individual needs and preferences to make the experiences inclusive and enjoyable for everyone and encourage team members to reflect on insights gained during these activities to foster deeper interpersonal connections.

The single biggest influence on team dynamics and one of the most extensively studied aspects of team effectiveness is the environment in which a team operates. Senior Content Editor and Thought Leader, Sarah Stall, leans into this subject, stating – 

“The most effective teams create an environment where members feel safe to take personal risks and actively support one another. For teams to be productive and effective, members don’t need to be protected or shielded from the potential pain or discomfort of personal risk; they need to feel safe in spite of that potential pain, in spite of that risk.”

As such, it is crucial for teams to cultivate a cohesive working environment where team members feel appreciated, supported, and empowered to openly contribute without fear of retribution. The strategies discussed are designed to not only enhance the factors known to influence team cohesion but ultimately aim to create a psychologically safe environment that is foundational to its existence.

Forget the platitudes about “getting along” – high team cohesion is a strategic advantage. As we’ve explored, the benefits of team cohesion are undeniable, driving performance, productivity, and overall team satisfaction. Yet building a cohesive team doesn’t happen by chance—it requires intentional effort. Success depends on creating a cohesive environment where psychological safety and interconnectedness can thrive. From establishing welcoming participation structures and cultivating Team EQ, to fostering genuine interpersonal connections, each strategy plays a vital role in transforming a group of individuals into a high-performing, unified force, where individual strengths contribute to a collective success.

References: 

1. Team Cohesion and Individual Productivity: The Influence of the Norm for Productivity and the Identifiability of Individual Effort
2. Enhancing the Effectiveness of Team Science
3. Team cohesiveness and collective efficacy explain outcomes in interprofessional education

(Cover image by lookstudio on Freepix)