Under stress, personal bonds become your team’s best defense against chaos. When people know each other beyond their roles and see each other as humans with emotions, not just coworkers, collaboration becomes smoother, and misunderstandings are easier to resolve.
One habit that makes an enormous difference in high-pressure moments is “connecting with empathy.”
This means stepping back from the rush of tasks to acknowledge emotion. Imagine the impact of saying, “It looks like you’re juggling a lot—what can I do to lighten your load?” This small act of empathy shows you care about more than just the work. It shows you value your teammate as a person, which helps build trust when things feel uncertain.
Another powerful habit is “knowing each other beyond work.” High-performing teams build their performance through small moments of connection.
Asking about someone’s weekend and then asking a great follow-up question create personal bonds that matter, especially during stressful times. When pressure mounts, these casual connections remind people they’re part of a supportive team.
Powerful Phrases for Creating Human Connection in High-Performing Teams
Use simple but meaningful phrases like, “Tell me more” to encourage open dialogue. Or “We’re in this together, and I know we’ll find a way” to reinforce unity and support. When emotions run high, words that reflect empathy and connection help refocus the team on their shared purpose.
When your team feels truly connected, they’re more likely to stick together and help each other out, no matter how intense the pressure gets.
Clarity: Do We Have a Shared Understanding of Success?
In high-pressure situations with tight deadlines, clarity drives success. Without it, even the best teams lose focus, wasting time on miscommunication and misunderstandings. To succeed under stress, be sure you’ve clearly defined success and the habits to achieve it.
One crucial habit is “checking for understanding.”
You’ve certainly experienced leaving a meeting thinking everyone’s on the same page, only to find out later that wasn’t the case. In high-pressure environments, miscommunication is costly.
A quick check like, “I’m hearing that we’ve agreed to __. Is that your understanding?” may seem small, but it prevents major problems later. This habit keeps everyone aligned, especially when things are changing fast.
Finally, don’t underestimate “communicating consistently.” When the world feels chaotic, key messages can easily get lost. Reinforce essential information across multiple channels—emails, meetings, and team chats—to ensure your message sticks. Consistent communication keeps your team grounded, no matter how unpredictable things get.
If you’re working on clarity, you won’t want to miss our article on getting beyond “Magical Thinking.”
Powerful Phrases to Create Better Clarity in High-Performing Teams
Ask: “What would a successful outcome do for you?”
This powerful phrase helps teams align on success criteria and go a level deeper and talk about personal motivations and desires.
To confirm understanding, say, “What I’m hearing is __. Do I have that right?” This simple check can save your team from countless headaches caused by miscommunication.
When everyone is clear on the goal and aligned on the path, pressure doesn’t feel as overwhelming. Instead, it becomes a motivator, driving the team toward shared success with precision and confidence.
More on our G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) powerful phrases here.
Curiosity: Are We Genuinely Interested in Each Other’s Perspectives and What’s Possible?
One of the best ways to foster curiosity is by “inviting diverse perspectives.” When things are feeling intense, asking, “What’s another way we could approach this problem?” invites your team to think outside the box. You’ll get multiple viewpoints, foster creativity, and remind your team that everyone’s input matters—especially when the pressure’s on.
Another great habit is “challenging assumptions.” In uncertain times, it’s crucial to think creatively. Encourage your team to ask deeper questions like, “How would we handle this if our budget got cut in half?” You’ll force the team to think creatively and explore new solutions when the usual approaches aren’t available.
Also, don’t forget to encourage people to “change their minds” when needed. During uncertainty, flexibility is a superpower. A team that’s willing to adapt to new information and perspectives will be better equipped to navigate challenges and embrace whatever comes next.
Powerful Phrases to Cultivate Curiosity for a More Creative Team
Use, “I’m curious how this looks from your perspective,” to invite input. Or ask, “What’s one thing we haven’t considered yet?” to encourage exploration beyond the obvious.
If you want more remarkable, usable ideas from your team, you won’t want to miss Karin’s TEDx The Secret to Getting More Remarkable Ideas You Can Actually Use
Commitment: Do We Have a Clear Agreement?
In high-performing teams, commitment goes beyond agreeing in meetings. It’s about accountability, follow-through, and ensuring everyone is invested in the team’s success. When the pressure’s on, commitment becomes even more important. A truly committed team doesn’t just talk—they act, even when things are changing fast.
Commitment means everyone knows their responsibilities and is ready to deliver, no matter how tough things get. One key question to ask is: “Do we have a clear agreement?” Strong commitment keeps the team in sync, holding each other accountable.
One vital habit is “scheduling the finish.” Don’t just assign tasks—set clear finish lines, follow-ups, and discuss competing priorities. For example, “Let’s check back next Friday to see our progress – can we get do these first three steps by then?” This keeps commitments from getting lost and ensures results, even as priorities shift.
Finally, don’t forget to “celebrate success.” In uncertain times, morale can dip. Recognize progress, no matter how small. Saying, “Great job on this phase—let’s build on that momentum!” reminds the team their efforts matter. Celebrating small wins keeps energy high and reinforces commitment to the team’s goals.
For more Commitment Habits See: Create Commitment: 12 Habits that Build Agreement and Accountability
Powerful Phrases to Strengthen Team Accountability
Use, “What’s one action we can both agree to as a next step?” to make sure there’s alignment and clarity on commitments. To keep accountability high, say, “Let’s schedule a follow-up to see how this is working,” ensuring that progress doesn’t slip through the cracks, even when uncertainty challenges the team’s focus.
By building and reinforcing commitment, you help your team stay grounded in action. They’ll not only know what’s expected—they’ll feel a shared sense of responsibility to deliver, even when external pressures rise. When commitment becomes a habit, your team turns intention into impact, making progress even when the going gets tough.
For more Powerful Phrases, check out our new book: Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict (Free Sample Chapters).
Better Habits: The Secret of High-Performing Teams
Building a high-performing team in challenging times isn’t just about getting through the stress—it’s about thriving in it. By intentionally focusing on connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment, you’re laying the groundwork for a team that doesn’t just survive uncertainty but grows stronger because of it. These four dimensions of collaboration are your team’s foundation for navigating conflict, overcoming obstacles, and finding creative solutions when the pressure is on.
The good news? You don’t have to wait for the perfect conditions to build this kind of team. By adopting these habits and using powerful phrases in your everyday interactions, you’ll see a shift. Little by little, your team’s performance will rise, their collaboration will increase, and you’ll notice that even when the world outside feels unpredictable, your team is steady, confident, and ready for anything.
With each step you take to strengthen these habits, you’re creating a team that isn’t just prepared for the pressure—they’re ready to excel in it. So no matter what challenges come your way, you can trust that your team will come out stronger on the other side.
