What are people dynamics?
People dynamics are both simple and complex. Simple to describe: the way people behave and relate to each other, in this case, at work.
Complex because they encompass all and any aspects of human behaviour, values, beliefs and emotions for each individual, shaped by their varying abilities, skills and life experience.
That's a lot of dynamic at work. It's astonishing, when you think about it, that human society functions as well as it does! We've had millennia of pratice, though. Being part of a group is how humans have evolved for survival, safety and fulfillment.
Why are people dynamics important at work?
Being part of a team at work means adapting to achieve something together, usually indirectly connected to your own personal interest. Completion of a project, production of something for sale, a process well run.
The way people interact with each other directly affects how productive the group can be. If a lot of time is spent managing everyone's energy, worrying about reactions, sorting out disputes or inertia, that's what I call ineffective productivity.
Effective productivity
Effective productivity translates as projects running smoothly because the people dynamics work towards an agreed common beneficial outcome. It doesn't mean everyone is woo woo happy, or even fully on board with the way things are run, they may even fundamentally disagree. It does mean, however, that everyone knows their views, abilities and skills have been taken into account and that achieving the common outcome will lead to indirect or direct reward.
The rewards could be money, satisfaction, learning, enjoyment and fun even. Group living evolved for survival and safety and that need hasn't gone away just because we no longer live in trees or caves.
How can groups work better together for more effective productivity
At work we can intentionally reduce uncertainty, increase resilience and offer psychological safety for teams, projects and organisations to flourish. People dynamics can work in your favour.
To find out how people dynamics would help your teams to flourish, don't wait! Book a free, 30-minute clarity chat today.
Clear as a Bell offers in-house and group workshops, longer programmes and consultancy to create more effectively productive, human-centered work.
* Our promise: Clear as a Bell is an ethical business. There is no pressure, just a desire to help you increase your impact. If it's not right for you, we won't be hassling you in any way. We may even recommend someone else who is better placed to help you.