Organizational Behavior — The Science Behind Building a Winning Team

Mini-MBA Series — 02. How to Build Teams That Win (at Work and Beyond)

Keith Chen
3 min readJul 9, 2024

Ever been on a sports team that just clicked? Everyone knew their role, supported each other, and celebrated victories together? That’s the magic of teamwork — and it’s not just for athletes. In the business world, understanding how teams work is a game-changer. That’s where “Organizational Behavior” comes in. It’s like studying the playbook for human interaction in the workplace.

Image generated by Google Gemini.

Decoding the Team Dynamics

Let’s break down the key elements that shape how teams operate:

  • Individual Players: Like any good team, each person brings unique strengths and quirks to the table. Organizational behavior looks at what motivates people, how they make decisions, and what makes them tick at work.
  • The Huddle (Group Behavior): How do teams communicate? How do they make decisions? What happens when conflicts arise? Understanding group dynamics is crucial for creating a collaborative and productive environment.
  • The Team Spirit (Organizational Culture): Think of this as the team’s personality — its shared values, beliefs, and behaviors. A strong, positive culture makes people feel connected and motivated.
  • The Coach (Leadership and Power): Just as coaches inspire athletes to greatness, leaders in the workplace guide and motivate their teams. Organizational behavior examines different leadership styles and how they influence team performance.

The School Club Superstars

Imagine you and your friends start an environmental club at school. Here’s how organizational behavior principles come into play:

  1. Individual Players: Some friends are passionate speakers, others are organizing whizzes. Recognizing each person’s talents helps assign the right roles for maximum impact.
  2. The Huddle: During meetings, some might be quiet, others loud. Understanding these group dynamics ensures everyone’s voice is heard and decisions are made together.
  3. Team Spirit: Your club’s shared passion for the environment creates a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie.
  4. The Coach: As club president, you inspire others with your enthusiasm and create a space where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

The Google Way

Even tech giants like Google rely on organizational behavior to build amazing teams:

  • Individual Players: Google hires people who are not only brilliant but also fit their unique culture. They create work environments that spark creativity and innovation.
  • The Huddle: Teams work together seamlessly using tools like Google Docs and have regular meetings to brainstorm and share ideas.
  • Team Spirit: Google is known for its open, collaborative culture that values diversity and encourages employees to think outside the box.
  • The Coach: Google’s leaders empower employees to take risks and explore new ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and innovation.

The Bigger Picture

Organizational behavior isn’t just about making people happy at work (although that’s important!). It’s about understanding the science behind human interaction to create high-performing teams that achieve incredible things. So, next time you’re part of a team — whether it’s at work, school, or on the field — think about how these principles can help you work better together and create a winning culture.

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Get ready to unlock the secrets of the business world! This series takes complex MBA concepts and breaks them down into bite-sized pieces. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or just business-curious, you’ll gain valuable insights and maybe even discover your inner CEO. Let’s get this Mini-MBA party started!

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Keith Chen
Keith Chen

Written by Keith Chen

Product manager @ Google.com, ex-Amazon; Adjunct professor @ MICA.edu and Chatham.edu; MBA from CMU.edu; Professional photographer. Language : 中文 / EN

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