Behavioral Sciences and practical experience make a strong case for the problem-solving effectiveness of groups comprised of teammates with diverse cognitive behaviors; but, it doesn’t end there. Building teams that have a mix of problem-solving approaches, without maintaining an environment that leverages it, will waste a valuable asset.

In this Harvard Business Review piece, The Two Traits of the Best Problem-Solving Teams from Alison Reynolds and David Lewis, the importance of a psychologically safe environment is illuminated.

The authors paint a useful picture of groups that possess both a high degree of cognitive diversity and a high degree of psychological safety. Let us know how these principles have affected teams in your professional experience. What characteristics were present in your most effective problem-solving groups?