Why Do Some Teams Shine Under Pressure and Others Crumble?

Posted by Craig Nelson · February 18, 2023

Pressure can be a major factor in any team's performance. From sports teams to corporate teams, how a team responds to pressure can be the difference between success and failure. But why is it that some teams are able to thrive under pressure while others crumble? The answer often lies in the culture of an organization. In companies where a positive, team-focused, organized culture is encouraged, teams tend to be more resilient under pressure and exceed expectations. On the other hand, teams operating in negative or cluttered environments are more likely to crumble under pressure.

The Power of Positivity

When creating a successful team, having a positive attitude is paramount. When the stakes are high, and expectations are greater than ever, having a positive outlook can help a team exceed expectations and come out on top. Positive energy and believing that success is within reach can create a sense of motivation and dedication. A positive attitude also involves being optimistic and looking for solutions rather than focusing on the problems. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the challenges and obstacles that arise, but having a positive mindset encourages the team to devise creative ways to work through them.

The Importance of Preparing

The importance of preparation can't be overstated when it comes to teams that shine under pressure and those that crumble. Success starts with preparation. Your team should ensure they know their goals, clearly understand the task ahead of them, and know what is expected of them. Having these common goals and expectations displayed for all to see can be done easily in an office setting with a tool such as Planning Boards. These boards let you see all dates at a glance so you can react to change, spot problems, and avoid scheduling conflicts. When a team is equipped to have easy access to important information, they are better prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any challenges that arise.

The Role of Organization

Organization is an essential component of any successful team. A well-organized team is one that is able to break down tasks into smaller, manageable parts and assign responsibilities accordingly. An organized team can minimize distractions and keep everyone focused on the task at hand. It can be difficult to stay organized all the time, so utilizing resources such as SwitchFile Reference Organizers can be essential to keeping organization in check. Not only do these organizers provide easy access to the information you need every day, but they also rotate 90° for comfortable viewing of portrait and landscape formatted documents with the simple loosening of a wing nut.

The Ability to Stay Calm

In a high-pressure situation, the ability to remain calm is essential for a team to exceed expectations. Staying focused and composed under pressure is an important attribute of successful teams. If one member panics or gets overwhelmed, it can lead to ineffective decision-making and poor execution. The best organizations can identify what needs to be done and then work together to complete the task in a timely manner. This means taking a step back, looking at the bigger picture, and not getting bogged down in details. Being able to stay levelheaded can also help to create an atmosphere of trust, as teammates know that their leaders are capable of responding in a rational manner.