Psychologist Outlines How High-Performing Teams Avoid Burnout

Psychologist Ron Friedman's new book, "Superteams: The Science and Secrets of High-Performing Teams," identifies five core principles distinguishing top-tier teams from average ones. Friedman argues that exceptional team performance stems not just from individual talent but from deliberate design and optimized workflows.

A significant finding is that average team members spend up to 18 hours weekly in meetings and 11 hours sifting through messages, leaving just over a day for actual work. This unsustainable pace inevitably leads to burnout. In contrast, superteams minimize distractions and maximize periods of focused work, avoiding unnecessary meetings and scheduling dedicated "get things done days."

Friedman criticizes the prevalent meeting culture, which can consume nearly half a work week. He explains psychological phenomena like "predistraction" and "attention residue," where the anticipation of and lingering thoughts from meetings degrade focus. High-performing teams establish clear guidelines for meeting necessity, often requiring a concrete decision that cannot be handled through email or calls. Practices like limiting meetings to 15 minutes are also common.

Furthermore, the book highlights the role of teammates as motivators. In superteams, 94% of members feel their colleagues inspire them to perform at their best. Accountability is also stronger, with 82% more concerned about letting down teammates than their manager. This camaraderie and mutual support encourage taking on greater challenges and calculated risks, crucial for progress.