The definition of organizational success has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, chiefly thanks to the rise of new tech, which is evolving at a rapid pace. Nowadays, what is considered a successful team is a group of individuals who are not merely highly skilled, but are also capable of adapting, learning, and growing together.
Businesses have focused on something typically labeled “continual improvement”, which is generally taken to mean keeping up with the evolving demands of the workplace.
Rather a vague definition, to be sure, but it’s usually translated into creating a workplace where mutual skill-building is encouraged. Continuous learning and better performance – lately coupled with well-being – are the chief elements of this shift.
In other words, success has become synonymous with collaborative growth, which businesses interpret differently.
The Power of Learning
Regardless of vague definitions, one element is generally embraced as integrative: continual learning, and, in particular, learning from integrators. Integrators bring together different perspectives, skills, and knowledge and are typically skilled at connecting the dots and breaking down barriers between departments.
An illustrative example comes from McKinsey & Company. The company has been known far and wide for its ability to bring diverse teams together to solve complex problems. This is mainly due to its focus on creating opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.
McKinsey & Company understands that when people from different fields collaborate and learn from one another, more innovative solutions and better decision-making are certain to emerge. It’s critical to ensure that each team member grows in their role and acquires new skills from others.
Says Brian McCarthy, a senior partner at McKinsey, “Our ability to integrate diverse expertise across industries allows us to tackle the most challenging problems. We’re not just solving business issues; we’re learning from each other every day.”
More Personalized Learning
One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the shift toward more personalized learning. Traditional training models assume that every individual benefits from the same content in the same way. However, in high-performing teams, personalization is the key ingredient. Different people learn in different ways, meaning that everyone can benefit from personalized learning experiences.
Google is, perhaps, the best example of the practice. Its internal learning platform Google’s G Suite training, allow employees to learn at their own pace, choosing the courses that best align with their skills and interests. Each team member is able to focus on their own growth while contributing to the collective success of the team.
In teams where learning is personalized, members feel more empowered and capable. The more individuals can take ownership of their learning and development, the better they will be at their jobs and in their interactions. This leads to better outcomes for the entire organization.
Healthy Routines
Another often-overlooked aspect of building better teams is healthy routines. It’s no rocket science that people who are physically and mentally well are more likely to be productive, engaged, and collaborative.
One success story comes from the restaurant group Sweetgreen. Known for its tasty and healthy quinoa bowls, Sweetgreen ensures that their employees have access to healthy foods and work-life balance. The wellness contributes to the strong teamwork.
“We believe that the health of our employees is just as important as the health of our business,” says Jonathan Neman, CEO and co-founder of Sweetgreen. “When our team feels good, they bring their best selves to work.”
Reducing the Burden on HR
HR teams often find themselves overburdened with administrative tasks, employee concerns, and organizational issues. However, businesses focused on building a culture of learning and well-being never fail to reduce the burden on HR.
Salesforce understands this dynamic well. Through its robust employee development programs and commitment to wellness, the business has created a workplace where employees take responsibility for their growth.
“We want our employees to feel supported in every aspect of their lives,” says Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce. “When we do this, our HR team can focus on what really matters—creating an environment where our people can grow, thrive, and contribute to the company’s success.”
By reducing the burden on HR, the business has been able to focus on initiatives that directly contribute to the development of its teams.
Building Resilience and High-Performance
Overall, building better teams is about creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to learn from each other, support each other, and grow together. Mutual learning results in improved individual skills and an increased sense of unity. When everyone is working toward the same goals, the result is a more resilient, high-performing team.
An inspiring example of this is seen at Zappos, the online retailer known for its unique company culture. Zappos has long been committed to creating a workplace where learning is constant and personal growth is a shared priority. Their approach to team building revolves around collaboration, where each individual is encouraged to teach and learn from their colleagues. In fact, Zappos’s training program has become so successful that it’s often cited as a model for companies aiming to build cohesive teams.
Tony Hsieh, the late CEO of Zappos, once said, “At Zappos, we don’t just focus on customer service; we focus on the personal growth of our employees. A happy, well-trained team creates happy customers.”
Ultimately, building better teams isn’t about grand strategies. It’s as simple as creating a culture of growth, learning, and well-being. This kind of success comes from a shared commitment to collective growth. Teams that learn and grow together build something far greater than the sum of their parts — lasting success.