Encouraging Teamwork



Stage 3

Agile IQ® Level






A group is a collection of individuals who coordinate their individual efforts. On the other hand, at team is a group of people who share a common team purpose and a number of challenging goals. Members of the team are mutually committed to the goals and to each other.

“A champion team will defeat a team of champions.”

Shared responsibility is key

Team members share the responsibility for delivery, but group members don’t. Instead, groups focus on achieving the individual tasks and individual goals. Real teamwork implies [1]:

  • Collaboration over coordination.
  • Communication over ambient familiarity.
  • Acknowledgment of a common purpose.


Seven Core Components of the Psychology of Teamwork

According to the TESI (Team Emotional and Social Intelligence) Model, there are seven skills that will contribute to effective team functioning:

1. Team Identity

A group with a strong team identity demonstrates belongingness and connectedness, a desire to work together, and a sense of clarity around the role of each member. Groups with strong team identity also have high degrees of loyalty.

2. Motivation

A high level of motivation corresponds with the energy and responsibility levels of the team, and whether competition is working for or against the team. Having a motivated team requires knowing and meeting stakeholders’ desires, setting Sprint Goals, reinforcing success, and being persistent.

3. Emotional Awareness

A team’s emotional awareness encompasses the amount of attention the team pays to noticing, understanding, and respecting the feelings of team members. Emotional awareness is a critical factor in motivation, productivity, and a team’s ability to collaborate, making it central to the success of every team.

4. Communication


5. Stress Tolerance

A team with good stress tolerance knows how well it’s doing in managing the pressures of stakeholder demands, time constraints, and the real need for sustaimable pace and work-life balance.

6. Conflict Resolution


7. Positive Mood


According to this framework, the result of applying these skills is sustained productivity and emotional and social well-being for the team. Isn’t that what we all want?


Henry Ford


  • Facilitate a Retrospective to create a Team Canvas that describes and defines the team’s identity. 
  • Agree on special ceremonies to celebrate work that’s Done. Some teams use a “YES!” button, a bell, or share a special meme in their chat. Others celebrate after Retrospective by visiting the pub or having a team lunch.
  • Create Personal Maps in a Retrospective to raise awareness of people’s abilities, experiences and desires. Return to the Personal Maps and update them yearly.


1. Catarina Lino, MAPP, Psychologist (2020)  The Psychology of Teamwork: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teams. Online at: https://positivepsychology.com/psychology-teamwork/