Building a Productive and Effective Team: What the Best Executives Know About Team Productivity

We all have 24 hours a day—so why do some people seem to get so much more done in the same amount of time? When achieving extraordinary goals or making real progress in your business or career, the answer often lies in team productivity—and the mindset that drives it.

The most productive senior leaders don’t simply work harder. They work smarter. They build highly effective teams, master their mental game, and create environments where people thrive. In this article, we’ll explore team productivity, how it can be measured, why it matters, and how neuroscience, mindset, and leadership habits contribute to high-performing teams and individuals.

What Is Team Productivity?

Team productivity refers to how efficiently a team works to achieve shared goals. It’s not just about individual effort—it’s about how well a group collaborates, aligns, and delivers meaningful results.

A productive team operates with purpose, clarity, and synergy. Members understand their roles, communicate well, and contribute to a common goal.

Example: A marketing team launching a campaign might hold a single planning session, assign roles, and meet deadlines with strong deliverables. On the other hand, an unproductive team may face confusion and delays, despite working the same hours.

Studies show that productive and effective teams consistently outperform individuals working in isolation, especially under pressure or when multiple skill sets are needed.

The Productive Brain: How Neuroscience Shapes Team Productivity

Productive leaders’ mindset and mental function offer insights into building high-performing teams. Here’s what makes the difference:

Growth Mindset

Productive leaders believe that intelligence and ability can be developed. Based on Carol Dweck’s research, this growth mindset encourages persistence, learning, and adaptability—essential ingredients for team productivity.

Neuroplasticity

The brain’s ability to rewire itself—neuroplasticity—means we can continuously learn. Leaders who engage in regular learning and development enhance their own and their teams’ cognitive agility.

Emotional Intelligence

Top executives are masters of emotional regulation. They create safe, empathetic environments where team members feel supported and perform at their best.

Clarity of Purpose

A strong sense of purpose activates the brain’s reward systems. Leaders with explicit values and vision naturally inspire motivation, commitment, and ultimately, higher team productivity.

How Can You Measure Team Productivity?

CIPD Research shows that many businesses discuss productivity, but there can often be misconceptions about what is actually meant.

A simple formula is:

Team Productivity = Output ÷ Input

  • Output: Tasks completed, goals achieved, value delivered

  • Input: Time, effort, and resources used

Beyond numbers, you can track team productivity through:

  • Goal achievement

  • Peer or client feedback

  • Milestone reviews

  • Communication quality

  • Innovation levels

A blend of complex data and soft insights gives the most precise picture.

Why Is Team Productivity Important?

Productive teams outperform the competition, solve problems faster, and consistently innovate. For example, a cohesive product development team can launch ahead of the market, increasing revenue and brand strength.

Beyond outcomes, team productivity boosts morale, motivation, and engagement. When people feel their efforts matter, they work and feel better doing it.

What the Most Productive Executives Do Differently

Here are five habits that set high-performing leaders apart:

1. They Don’t Use To-Do Lists

Instead, they live by their calendar, blocking time for every task, even in 15-minute segments—many theme their days to stay focused (e.g. Tuesdays for team development, Thursdays for strategy).

2. They Know Their Priorities

They always start with their MIT (Most Important Task). Also, they ‘eat the frog’—tackling the most complex task first to gain momentum.

3. They Manage Their Time With Precision

Using the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule), they focus on the top 20% of activities that drive 80% of their results—and delegate the rest.

4. They Have a Morning Ritual

They invest the first hour of the day in themselves—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—creating the energy to lead effectively.

5. They Take Care of Themselves

They treat self-care as essential. Also, they model balance and resilience for their teams by staying rested and energised, reinforcing team productivity.

6 Ways to Build a More Productive and Effective Team

1. Set a Vision, Values, and Goals

Give your team a clear sense of direction. Involve them in defining the vision and values to increase ownership and motivation.

2. Build Strong Relationships

Know your team’s strengths and motivations. Encourage trust, respect, and open communication. Strong relationships = better collaboration.

3. Prioritise Communication

Foster a culture of transparency and active listening. Address issues early and openly to maintain alignment and momentum.

4. Promote Autonomy

Empower your team to take ownership. Autonomy boosts motivation, creativity, and accountability.

5. Allow Time for Recharge

Encourage breaks, time off, and even creative downtime. Rest and well-being fuel sustainable performance.

6. Provide Opportunities for Growth

Offer training, mentoring, and learning sessions. Teams that grow together perform better together.

Final Thoughts

Team productivity is more than a buzzword—the engine powers business growth, innovation, and wellbeing. You can build a high-performing team that thrives by combining neuroscience, growth mindset, practical habits, and leadership clarity.

Every new day brings fresh opportunities. Start implementing these strategies, and you’ll master your mindset, empower your people, and unlock the full potential of your team.

  • About the Author
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Rosalind Cardinal is the Principal Consultant of Shaping Change, a consultancy specialising in improving business outcomes by developing individuals, teams and organisations.
Ros is a solutions and results oriented facilitator and leadership coach, with a career in the Human Resources and Organisational Development field spanning more than 20 years. Ros’ expertise spans leadership development, organisational culture, team building, change and transition management, emotional intelligence, organisational behaviour, employee engagement, strategic direction and management.
Ros is a Certified Member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (CAHRI), a member of the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) and a Professional Member of the Australian Association for Psychological Type (AusAPT). She holds a Graduate Diploma in Human Resources from Deakin University, an Australian Human Resources Institute Professional Diploma in Human Resources and has completed the Australian Graduate School of Management Executive Program, Strategic Human Resource Management.

www.shapingchange.com.au/