Team dynamics play a crucial role in the success of organizations as they shift towards a more team-based approach. Enhancing team effectiveness has become a top priority, and recent research by Chen et al. (2025) delves into the impact of three different team interventions: design thinking, after-action reviews, and traditional team building exercises. The study reveals that design thinking stands out as a particularly promising intervention for teams.
In a study involving over 700 employees across 96 teams in a Chinese healthcare company, each team participated in one of the three interventions, each lasting 8 weeks. The Design Thinking Group engaged in problem definition, brainstorming solutions, envisioning future possibilities, and testing and refining options. The After-Action Review teams reflected on recent performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. The control group participated in standard team building activities.
Comparing the results, the Design Thinking Group showed the most significant improvement in effectiveness and efficiency after 6 months, outperforming the After-Action Review and team building groups. Teams that embraced design thinking demonstrated enhanced team learning and knowledge sharing, leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, teams handling a diverse range of tasks experienced more substantial improvements in learning outcomes with design thinking and after-action review interventions compared to traditional team building activities.
The findings suggest practical implications for organizations looking to enhance team performance. Implementing a five-step process of problem identification, reframing, idea generation, testing, and revision based on feedback can facilitate better team collaboration throughout project tasks, rather than just at the project’s conclusion as seen in after-action reviews. This approach is particularly beneficial for teams with varied task portfolios and can even boost performance in routine job settings.
In conclusion, organizations can leverage design thinking to optimize team dynamics and drive better outcomes. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, teams can enhance their effectiveness and efficiency, ultimately contributing to the organization’s success.
Reference:
Chen, J., Vashdi, Dr, Fan, Q., Bamberger, PA, & Chen, G. (2025). The relative effects of design thinking versus NA-ACTION Review on team performance: an experiential/episodic team learning perspective. Journal of Applied Psychology. Advance Online Publication.
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