4 Secrets Of High-Performing Teams

Overview
This article outlines four evidence-based secrets that enable teams to perform at a high level. Drawing on research from psychology and organizational behavior, Eric Barker explains what practices separate thriving teams from average ones.

Key Takeaways

• Psychological safety lets members speak up without fear, boosting innovation.
• Clear, measurable goals keep the team aligned and focused.
• Strong norms and open communication prevent misunderstandings and conflict.
• Accountability and regular feedback drive continuous improvement.

Who Would Benefit

• Engineering managers looking to boost team performance.
• Technical leads who want to foster a collaborative culture.
• Product owners interested in aligning teams around outcomes.
• Any leader seeking practical, research-backed team practices.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• Team Psychological Safety framework
• OKR (Objectives and Key Results) goal-setting