In this episode, Clint has a conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat, Associate Professor at the University of New Hampshire and author of “The Emotionally Intelligent Team” about why team performance isn’t driven by individual talent, but by the culture teams create together.

Dr. Druskat challenges the common belief that stacking a team with top performers guarantees success. Instead, she explains how the norms teams build around trust, belonging, and interaction ultimately determine whether a group thrives or struggles.

Drawing from decades of research and real-world experience, Vanessa introduces the concept of team emotional intelligence (Team EI) and why the way people interact matters more than who is in the room.

She also breaks down why most teams underperform, how leaders can think in terms of systems (not individuals), and what it really takes to create an environment where people contribute their best.
This is the first part of a two-part conversation.

Topics Covered:
Vanessa’s background and what led her to study team performance
Why great teams aren’t built by simply hiring top talent
The concept of team emotional intelligence (Team EI)
The difference between individual EI and team-level EI
Why team norms, not personalities, drive performance
How team culture differs from company culture
Why interactions are the true engine of team success
The role of trust, candor, and accountability in high-performing teams
Why most teams fail to share their best ideas
The importance of belonging and feeling valued at work
How leaders can shift from a talent mindset to a systems mindset
Why teams outperform individuals in decision-making
The hidden cost of competition within teams
How to start building a stronger team culture immediately


Links:
Vanessa’s website - https://www.vanessadruskat.com/
Vanessa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-druskat/
Vanessa’s book, “The Emotionally Intelligent Team” - https://amzn.to/4bN4mWl