Want an “A” team? Start with your “B” players
Adobe
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" playerswill 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.
 | Christian Muntean is a seasoned expert in fostering business growth and profitability. With a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and certifications as a Master Coach, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and International Mergers & Acquisitions Expert (IM&A), he guides entrepreneurial leaders through growth, succession planning, and exit strategies. He is an accomplished author of three books, including Train to Lead. Christian resides in Anchorage, Alaska, with his family. Learn More » |
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