Julia Felton

59 – Debunking 5 Myths About Teamwork

Teamwork is often hailed as the secret sauce of high-performing organisations, but how well do we really understand what makes a team effective? In this week’s episode of the Impactful Teamwork podcast, I tackled one of the most common yet misunderstood topics in business: the myths that surround teamwork.

If you’re a trailblazing leader of a scaling company who’s grappling with managing people and performance, this conversation is essential listening—and reading.

What Is a Team—Really?

Let’s start by getting clear on definitions. A team is more than just a group of people working in proximity. A team is made up of two or more individuals who interact, rely on one another, and share common goals. They see themselves—and are seen by others—as a cohesive unit.

By contrast, a group may share a workspace or perform similar tasks, but without interdependence or shared purpose, it isn’t a team. High-performing teams demonstrate not just great results, but also resilience and vitality. They don’t burn out, they adapt and they grow stronger over time—like living systems in nature.

Why Teamwork Is the Competitive Superpower

The modern workplace is evolving. Business structures are becoming flatter, and cross-functional, self-managing teams are now the norm. Research from CEB shows that 67% of employees report rising expectations for collaboration, while the Harvard Business Review found time spent in collaborative activities has grown by 50%.

Still, many leaders are stuck in old mindsets. Despite 70% of employees acknowledging the importance of teamwork, only 25% believe their own teams are effective.

Team-related issues contribute to:

50% of startup failures
60% of software projects being delayed
One-third of hospital safety problems

And yet, fewer than 25% of executives feel confident building cross-functional teams.

Something’s clearly broken. And that’s why it’s time to bust some common myths.

The 5 Most Common Myths About Teamwork

Myth 1: Teamwork Is a Distraction from Real Work

This is one I hear all the time: “We don’t have time for teamwork—we’ve got a business to run.”

Here’s the truth: teamwork is how work gets done. Far from being a distraction, it’s a strategic asset. Research shows that teams with strong teamwork processes are 20–25% more likely to succeed, and companies that enhance collaboration see a 5% higher annual revenue growth than those focused only on individual contribution.

If you’re not investing in teamwork, you’re undermining your performance.

Myth 2: Teams Succeed When Everyone Gets Along

It’s nice to like your teammates—but it’s not essential.

What matters more is having shared understanding, clear roles, and a willingness to engage in healthy conflict. According to Google’s Project Aristotle, high-performing teams weren’t necessarily those who socialized together. They were the ones who communicated openly and constructively—even when it was uncomfortable.

Harmony can sometimes get in the way of honesty. Great teams don’t avoid disagreement—they use it to innovate.

Myth 3: Being a Team Player Means Sacrificing Individual Excellence

This is a false dichotomy. You can be individually excellent and a team player. In fact, that’s exactly what top-performing teams look for: people who elevate both themselves and others.

NASA, for instance, selects astronauts who are technically brilliant but also able to collaborate under extreme pressure. Think of Michael Jordan—his team only started winning championships when he lifted those around him, not just himself.

The best teams are filled with people who strive for their own success and the success of the group.

Myth 4: Great Teamwork Can Make Up for a Lack of Talent

Let’s be honest: no amount of collaboration can compensate for missing skills or capabilities.

If a team doesn’t have the knowledge or experience to do the job, they won’t perform—no matter how well they get along. You need both talent and teamwork. One without the other is a recipe for stagnation or burnout.

Myth 5: Teams Are Always the Answer

This may surprise you—especially coming from someone like me who champions teamwork—but here’s the truth:

Not every task requires a team.

Sometimes, a solo contributor or a loosely connected group of individuals is more effective. Misapplying teams to every challenge can lead to inefficiencies, groupthink, and frustration.

Before forming a team, ask: Is this the right structure for the job?

The Seven Drivers of Effective Teams

So, if those are the myths—what’s the truth?

According to the book Teams That Work: The Seven Drivers of Team Effectiveness, there are seven science-backed drivers that lead to team success. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Capability

Do team members have the right mix of skills, knowledge, and experience? Are they in roles that play to their strengths?

2. Cooperation

Do team members hold positive beliefs about teamwork and show willingness to support one another?

3. Coordination

Are behaviors aligned? Is the team able to organize its work and time effectively?

4. Communication

Are messages clear, consistent, and inclusive—both within the team and with external stakeholders?

5. Cognition

Do team members share an understanding of the team’s purpose, priorities, and expectations?

6. Coaching

Does leadership—formal or informal—support, guide, and empower the team?

7. Conditions

Is the environment supportive? This includes the organizational culture, access to resources, and alignment with broader business goals.

Your Weekly Invitation: Reflect and Realign

So here’s your challenge this week:

Which of the five myths is most present in your organization?
Are you falling into the trap of prioritizing harmony over healthy conflict?
Are you undervaluing individual excellence in the name of “being a team player”?
Is your team being asked to succeed without the capabilities or conditions required?

Teamwork isn’t magic—but when it’s designed and supported correctly, it is transformative. It can be your competitive superpower.

We’ll unpack more about the seven drivers of team effectiveness in upcoming episodes. Until then, take a moment to assess how teamwork really functions in your business.

Because when you get it right, the results are not just good—they’re extraordinary.s. It evolves. And it thrives. And so can your business.