#48 What Makes the Best Teams? Understanding the Power of Cohesion.
Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally.
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Why are we so drawn to stories about dominant sports dynasties, elite military units, and wildly innovative organizations? It’s not just the wins—it's the cohesion we admire. We’re captivated by teams that overcome overwhelming odds, build record-breaking streaks, and turn bold ideas into reality. What we’re really admiring is how tightly aligned, committed, and connected they are.
Most of us, however, have served on teams that lacked that kind of cohesion—the kind that makes you dread showing up. Instead of energizing, those teams drain us.
In this episode, we’ll break down what sets cohesive teams apart from the ones that lack it, and what you can start doing today to build cohesion within your own team. You’ll get practical ways to start building it immediately, by doing things like:
- Aligning everyone behind a clear mission, shared goals, and agreed-upon methods
- Establishing social norms that resolve conflict productively
- Creating intentional opportunities to learn one another, grow together, and do hard things side-by-side
Cohesion can make or break a team in any industry. The way it’s built will look different in every environment, but the principles are universal. We’ll give you the concepts you need to identify how cohesion is (or isn’t) being built on your team and how to start shaping a team where your people are proud to show up.
Related Episodes
Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.
- #17 Stop Having Terrible Meetings
- #27 Why Team Rituals Matter (and 5 Ways to Build Them for Your Team)
- #42 Stop Chasing Harmony: Why (and How) Leaders Lean into Conflict
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Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!
