Teamcraft

Andrew Maclaren & Mark Ridley
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In the Teamcraft Podcast, hosts Andrew MacLaren and Mark Ridley explore the tradecraft and witchcraft of teams. Through deep, insightful conversations they uncover how teams work and what makes them fail.Music by Tom Farrington

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Team-Based Learning in Education

    In this episode, Mark and Andrew welcome the award winning Dr. Gemma Quinn, Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Bradford. Gemma discusses her pioneering work in implementing team-based learning (TBL) as a teaching strategy in pharmacy education. She explains the TBL structure, including the formation of diverse student teams, pre-work, readiness assurance tests, and application exercises. Gemma goes on to highlights the positive outcomes of TBL, such as better exam performance and an incredible power to eliminate attainment gaps for groups of diverse students. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of developing non-technical skills and teamwork in preparing students for their professional roles in healthcare. Pass it on resources Gemma's pass it on resource was Team Based Learning - Transformative College Teaching by Larry K. Michaelsen Chapters 00:00 Teamcraft - Gemma Quinn and Team Based Learning00:28 Introduction01:31 What is team based learning?06:57 What is the student experience of Team Based Learning?12:04 How are teams selected?16:01 Are there any negative characteristics that impact the performance of teams?22:02 How do teams deal with lower contributions from team members?24:17 Do team outcomes impact long term individual outcomes?28:08 Research into personality types in space exploration32:06 Non-technical skills in healthcare36:19 The benefits of enduring teams41:04 The real world skills that Team Based Learning teaches48:26 Differences between GP and pharmacist approaches to uncertainty56:10 The importance of out-group competitiveness on performance59:03 How does TBL impact student outcomes?01:01:14 How Team Based Learning can benefit neurodiverse students01:02:40 Quickfire Questions Thanks for listening! Music by Tom Farrington

    1h 7m

  2. EPISODE 2

    Social Loafing and the Ringelmann Effect

    In this episode, Mark and Andrew dig into the story of the Ringelmann Effect, a phenomenon first observed by French academic Max Ringelmann that suggests that individuals produce less output when they’re in a group.  They explore the historical context of Ringelmann's research and compare it with later research that coined the terms ‘social loafing’ and ‘the Sucker effect’.  Discussing studies by Ingham, Latane, and Kerr, and their own insights, Mark & Andrew uncover how individual effort can decrease in group settings due to factors like coordination loss, lack of motivation, and perceived fairness. Despite these challenges, the episode demonstrates how teams can still achieve outcomes that individuals never could, as long as there’s proper motivation and shared goals. Chapters 00:00 Suckers, Social Loafing and the Ringelmann Effect 00:45 Introduction to the Ringelmann Effect 01:34 Exploring the Original Ringelmann Paper 03:58 Ringelmann's Experiments and Findings 08:42 Coordination vs. Motivation in Group Effort 18:20 Steiner's research 19:10 Extending Ringelmann: Ingham's Rope-Pulling Experiments 23:11 Latané et al's research 24:47 Latane's Social Loafing Studies 28:21 Coordination vs Motivation 32:26 Exploring Attribution and Equity 35:46 Understanding Overconfidence Bias 38:47 The Sucker Effect and Social Loafing 47:04 Positive and Negative pulls on team performance 48:49 The Role of Motivation in Team Dynamics 59:52 Concluding Thoughts on Teamwork Research cited: Latané, B., Williams, K., & Harkins, S. (1979). Many hands make light the work: The causes and consequences of social loafing. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 37(6), 822–832 https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1980-30335-001 David Kravitz, Barbara Martin (1986). Ringelmann Rediscovered: The Original Article May 1986 Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 50(5):936-941 50(5):936-941 https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.50.5.936 Ingham, A. G., Levinger, G., Graves, J., & Peckham, V. (1974). The Ringelmann effect: Studies of group size and group performance. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 10(4), 371–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1031(74)90033-X Kerr, N. L. (1983). Motivation losses in small groups: A social dilemma analysis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 45(4), 819–828. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.45.4.819 Ringelmann, M. Recherches Sur Les Moteurs Animés Travail De L’homme Par Max Ringelmann. Annales de l'Institut national agronomique : administration, enseignement et Institut national agronomique Paris-Grignon (1913) https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k54409695/f14.item.langEN Steiner, I. D. (1972). Group process and productivity. Orlando, FL: Academic Press. https://archive.org/details/groupprocessprod0000stei Thanks for listening! Music by Tom Farrington

    1h 3m

  3. EPISODE 3

    Virtual Teams (Part 1) - From Smoke Signals to Video Calls

    In this episode, Mark Ridley and Andrew Maclaren explore the evolution and challenges of virtual teams. Inspired by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s recent call for employees to return to the office, our hosts discuss what defines a virtual team, the importance of trust and shared context, and how physical environments impact team dynamics.  Historical examples, from Byzantine smoke signals to Apollo missions, illustrate that remote teamwork has been around longer than we may think. They also discuss what defines a virtual team, the importance of trust and shared context, and how physical environments impact team dynamics.  Topics include: Andy Jassy's memo to Amazon employeesThe definition and variations of virtual teamsHistorical examples of remote coordinationChallenges in building trust and common ground remotelyThe impact of shared environments on teamworkCommunication challenges and the importance of consistencyComing Up in Part 2: Andrew and Mark will explore more on communication strategies, protocols, and actionable recommendations for enhancing virtual team collaboration. Chapters 00:00 Virtual Teams Part 100:43 Intro02:37 Andy Jassy's message to Amazon Staff04:30 Executive Comms and the Return to Office message07:47 Amazon Web Services & Stanford article on hybrid working10:40 Defining a virtual team21:43 The virtual team on Apollo 726:49 Trust in teams34:22 Common Ground in teams39:25 Rhythms of the environment42:37 Next Episode Thanks for listening! Music by Tom Farrington

    44 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Virtual Teams (Part 2) - Mars Missions and Meeting Rooms

    In this Teamcraft episode, continuing the earlier discussion in Part 1, Andrew and Mark dive deeper into the challenges and dynamics of virtual teams. They build on previous discussions, drawing from real-world examples, research insights, and their own experiences to explore the nuances of remote and hybrid team collaboration. Exploring communication protocols, cultural differences, and the unique demands of virtual team leadership, they discuss practical tips for fostering connection and managing conflict in virtual settings. Drawing on examples from GitLab, Amazon, and their own experiences, Andrew and Mark provide valuable insights for anyone working in or managing a virtual team. Key themes include the impact of time zones, communication protocols, cultural differences, leadership in virtual teams, and strategies for fostering a collaborative, inclusive virtual work environment. Our top takeaways for Virtual Team success Intentional Communication Protocols: Clear, consistent, and explicit communication is critical for avoiding misinterpretations and ensuring team cohesion.Social Capital Building: Bonding within teams and bridging across the organization is crucial for team success and requires deliberate efforts.Leadership Adaptation: Remote team leaders should focus on outcome-based performance management and foster trust.Inclusivity and Adaptability: Leverage the potential of virtual teams to create a more inclusive work environment and adapt practices to suit the virtual format.Chapters with Timestamps 00:43 Intro06:45 Fischer & Mossier's 'Three Ts'14:51 How Organisations can adapt to remote work18:29 How conflict can develop in virtual teams23:58 Etiquette for Virtual Teams26:37 Leadership of Virtual Teams28:22 Social Capital - Bonding Capital and Bridging Capital30:25 The importance of relationships32:24 Building your bank account of social capital38:05 Top Takeaways42:26 The power of asynchronous culture43:46 Decide, Inform, Plan, Solve49:23 British workplaces at pub o'clock56:38 Outro Thanks for listening! Music by Tom Farrington

    57 min
  5. Punks & Pitches - Teams Inside Venture Capital

    EPISODE 5

    Punks & Pitches - Teams Inside Venture Capital

    In this Teamcraft episode, Andrew and Mark are joined by Laura Wilming, Head of Portfolio Talent at Octopus Ventures, to explore the dynamics of startup teams and venture capital. From handing out samples at a supermarket during BrewDog’s early days to scaling Harry’s from a team of of only twelve people, we hear about Laura’s journey culminating in her insights from working across the portfolio of one of Europe’s largest venture capital firms.  Laura shares her stories and insights about building teams, leadership and culture in these unique, high-growth companies. Key Themes from the Episode:  - How BrewDog’s “punk ethos” influenced its team dynamics and bold approach to brand building. Lessons from Harry’s rapid growth, prioritizing curiosity, humility, and execution while scaling a team.  - Why psychological safety is essential and how to nurture it, even in high-pressure, fast-paced startups.  - The importance of consistent hiring processes and aligning teams with company objectives. Laura explains how founders should spend 20-30% of their time hiring and focus on culture, not just filling roles.  - How investors like Octopus Ventures evaluate and support startup teams to unlock their full potential. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or team leader, this episode offers valuable insights into the craft of building high-performing startup teams, with lessons that are much more widely applicable in any team.. Pass it on material: When They Win, You Win The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership Secrets of Sand Hill Road Chapters: 00:00 Punks, Pitches, and a Portfolio of Teams - Inside Venture Capital with Laura Wilming 07:34 Boozy Beers and Taxidermy 13:02 Harry's and rapid scaling 26:53 How startups can struggle with management 28:48 Going from building a product to building a team 30:35 Common Ground in Founding Teams 34:17 How do VCs look at founder teams and their teamcraft? 36:42 Advice for early stage teams 39:24 Support from Investors to founder teams 41:18 The importance of a great hiring process 45:41 How do you deal with a team that is 'just ok'? 57:43 Quick Fires Thanks for listening! Music by Tom Farrington

    1h 2m
  6. The origins and benefits of team psychological safety

    EPISODE 6

    The origins and benefits of team psychological safety

    Psychological safety is a crucial but often misunderstood concept in modern organizations. In this episode, Andrew and Mark take a deep dive into its origins, how it became a foundational principle of high-performing teams, and why "safe to challenge" can sometimes backfire if implemented poorly. We explore the history, research, and practical applications of psychological safety, from its early roots in therapeutic psychology to Amy Edmondson’s groundbreaking research in the 1990s, to its popularization by Google’s Project Aristotle. Along the way, we discuss common misconceptions, the role of leadership, and how organizations can create a culture where people feel safe to challenge ideas without fear of repercussions. In this episode, we talk about: What is Psychological Safety? – A definition of psychological safety and why it matters for team performance.The Origins of Psychological Safety – How early research by Carl Rogers, Edgar Schein, and Warren Bennis laid the groundwork for modern team dynamics.Amy Edmondson’s Breakthrough – How her 1996 study of nursing teams revealed that psychologically safe teams report more mistakes—not because they make more, but because they feel safe admitting them.Google’s Project Aristotle – How Google’s research found psychological safety to be the #1 factor in team success, and how it fits alongside dependability, clarity, meaning, and impact.The Challenge with "Safe to Challenge" – Why focusing on challenging authority without first fostering psychological safety can create a toxic environment instead of a productive one.Leadership’s Role in Psychological Safety – Why leaders must model fallibility, vulnerability, and openness to feedback to create a climate where others feel safe to speak up.Avoiding Common Misconceptions – The pitfalls of treating psychological safety as a shield against performance expectations, a license to criticize without accountability, or a box to check off rather than a culture to build.Practical Tips for Leaders & Teams – How to cultivate psychological safety in your workplace, from building familiarity and social bonds to creating low-risk "practice fields" for feedback and challenge. This episode is packed with history, research, and actionable insights to help leaders and teams build a culture where challenge leads to innovation, not fear. 🔊 Listen now to learn how to create a workplace where people feel truly safe to challenge!  References: Rogers, C. (1973). The Characteristics of a Helping Relationship, In Bennis, W.G., Berlew, D.E., Schein, D.H., Steele, F.I. (Eds), Interpersonal Dynamics (3rd Ed.), Dorsey: Illinois. 223-236. Clark, T. (2020). The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety. Oakland: Berret-Koehler. Edmondson, A.C. (1996). Learning from mistakes is easier said than done: Group and organizational influences on the detection and correction of human error. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 32(1), 5–28.  Edmondson, A.C. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative science quarterly, 44(2), 350-383. Edmondson, A.C. (2012). Teaming: How Organizations Learn, Innovate, and Compete in the Knowledge Economy. New Jersey: Jossey-Bass. Teaming to Innovate by Amy C. Edmondson Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead by Laszlo Bock Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone by Satya Nadella (Author), Greg Shaw (Author), Jill Tracie Nichols (Author) Thanks for listening! Music by Tom Farrington

    1h 21m
  7. Understanding the importance of personality

    EPISODE 7

    Understanding the importance of personality

    In this episode of Teamcraft, Andrew and Mark are joined by Nikita Mikhailov, an expert in psychometrics, psychologist and co-author of the book 'Personality, a User's Guide.'  We dive into how understanding personality and individual differences can inform talent selection, development decisions, relationships, and even culture. Nikita explains self-narratives, personality traits like neuroticism, and the social aspects of personality. We also discuss the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and appreciating the diverse personalities within teams.  The conversation highlights Nikita's insights into personality in both professional and personal contexts, offering practical advice on effective communication and collaboration in team settings. Nikita shares insights from his book, 'Personality, a User’s Guide,' co-authored with Georgi Yankov, discussing how a deeper understanding of personality can enhance talent selection, development, performance and culture, and goes on to share practical tips on fostering effective communication and collaboration within teams. Pass it on resources Personality: A User's Guide - Nikita's excellent book Why You Are Who You Are by Mark Leary  Personality Testing In Employee Selection by Andrew Munro Chapters 00:00 Pre-roll 00:50 Intro - Nikita Mikhailov 02:13 You don't just have one version of you 03:19 How do we even define personality? 09:22 What was the inspiration behind your book? 12:05 How dare you compare psychometrics to the Zodiac... 13:57 Language and the psycholexical origins of personality research 17:00 The big five in brief 18:49 The bright side of neuroticism 20:19 The cheapest couples therapy you could imagine 23:31 How to balance behaviours with different personality traits 24:15 How should you engage with people who seem different to you? 27:19 Introverts, extroverts and ambiverts 31:29 Is individualism a problem? 33:02 How people see you, and how you see yourself 36:18 Giving and receiving personal feedback 37:54 Why you shouldn't 'give people 15 minutes back' 40:15 Organisations, cults and the stress of early careers 42:58 At what age do our personalities become 'fixed'? 44:54 Quick Fires - what's your best team memory 45:42 What are your team red flags 46:23 Do you have a resource to pass on? #personality #teams #management #psychology #business Thanks for listening! Music by Tom Farrington

    51 min
See All Season 3 (7)

About

In the Teamcraft Podcast, hosts Andrew MacLaren and Mark Ridley explore the tradecraft and witchcraft of teams. Through deep, insightful conversations they uncover how teams work and what makes them fail.Music by Tom Farrington

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Maclaren & Mark Ridley
  • Episodes
    22
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Andrew Maclaren & Mark Ridley
  • Show Website
    Teamcraft