By Adeyinka Adeniran
When a team does things together in genuine unity of purpose, it increases their productivity. This is why leaders must be deliberate about having a strong bond amongst their team members. Working independently makes the journey longer and more tedious. Ed Catmull, the former President of Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios, implemented different initiatives to enhance collaboration and bonding at Pixar. One of such initiatives was the “Braintrust” meetings which was a place where team members could share their ideas, provide feedback and learn from one another. This was done in a safe environment. This practice not only improved film quality but also strengthened team bonds, leading to unprecedented creative success. Catmull also created a culture of collaborative problem solving. Every stakeholder from different departments worked together to solve identified challenges.
The bond that exists within a team leads each member to derive a sense of identity and belonging from being a member of such a group thereby influencing their behavior and attitude. The pattern of relationships within a team influences communication, coordination and collaboration. All these impact performance and innovation positively. The brain of individuals in a team adapts and changes in response to team members’ experience which can in turn shape behavior. There is a hormone called oxytocin otherwise called “cuddle hormone” which is released during social bonding activities. This helps in promoting trust, cooperation, and team cohesion. The strength of the bond of your team is directly related to the performance of the team. There is always excitement and enthusiasm when teams are bonded. This leads to high performance. You may be getting some results now, but you will get much more if your team increases the strength of their bond.
Google carried out a comprehensive research study called Google’s Project Aristotle. It was to identify key factors that contribute to high performing teams. The outcome of the research highlighted five key factors. These are: the ability of team members to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts without fear of judgement or rejection (Psychological Safety); the ability to rely on one another to get the job done thereby delivering on their commitments (Dependability); clear goals, roles and expectations which helps to reduce confusion and increase productivity (Structure and Clarity); finding purpose and significance in their work thereby motivating them to contribute to team’s success (Meaning); a belief that their work matters and they are making positive impact (Impact). This research concluded that teams with strong social connections showed 41% higher productivity, 24% fewer errors and 50% lower turnover.
Team bonding leads to social interactions like conversation, laughter or shared experiences. A bonded team ensures each one in the team achieves his goals and objectives. Events like this release a hormone called dopamine. It is also called the “feel-good” hormone. Dopamine plays important roles in executive functions, motivation, reinforcement and reward. These are elements that will surely enhance the performance of any team. Research shows that bonded teams experience 27% higher trust levels, 33% more collaborative behavior and 21% higher innovation rates.
Microsoft had a revival under the leadership of Satya Nadella who transformed Microsoft’s cutthroat culture into a collaborative environment. He did this by promoting cross-functional teams to tackle complex projects. This encouraged collaboration, knowledge sharing and bonding among team members from diverse backgrounds. His emphasis on transparency in leadership through sharing company goals, challenges and progress with employees helped to build trust and strengthen team bonds. His regular town hall meetings to engage employees encouraged open communication, created spaces for informal interaction and fostered a sense of community. These deliberate bonding efforts led to an increase in revenue from $86.8B in 2014 to $211.92B in 2023. Microsoft stock price moved from $38 in 2014 to $428.48 in 2024.
Below are ways by which leaders can create a strong bonded team:
Creating a psychological safe space
Encouraging collaboration over competition
Recognizing team achievements
Supporting informal networking and support for one another
Regular feedback sessions
Cross-functional mentoring
Building a team with strong bonds isn’t just good for morale, it is a crucial driver of organizational success. Leaders who invest in team cohesion see returns in higher productivity, innovation, and sustained performance. Organizations who do this will consistently rank among the best places to work.
Oluwole Dada is the General Manager at SecureID Limited, Africa’s largest smart card manufacturing plant in Lagos, Nigeria.
