Deloitte's latest research highlights that timeless human capabilities—such as curiosity, resilience, divergent thinking, informed agility, connected teaming, and emotional and social intelligence—remain essential for team excellence, even as AI tools become more prevalent.
Quick Intel
Even as organizations integrate AI, Deloitte's survey of 1,394 employees reveals that the strongest differentiator for high-performing teams—those that consistently meet or exceed expectations—lies in enduring human capabilities rather than technology alone. While these teams adopt AI at higher rates, their superior performance stems from how members collaborate, trust one another, and adapt together.
High-Trust Environments Fuel Performance High-performing teams cultivate environments where trust, respect, and inclusion thrive. Team members are 2.3 times more likely to feel trusted by their leader and respected by peers, and nearly 1.5 times more likely to feel included. Emotional and social intelligence emerges as the leading factor in team success, enabling deeper connections and effective collaboration amid complexity.
Informed Agility and Greater Autonomy Agility stands out as a hallmark of top teams. Respondents in high-performing groups are 2.5 times more likely to report rapid direction changes and mutual support during transitions. These teams also grant members three times greater autonomy, fostering stronger alignment with organizational purpose and strategic goals, which enhances motivation and responsiveness.
Apprenticeship Culture as a Growth Driver High-performing teams prioritize mutual learning, with members nearly three times more likely to describe a strong apprenticeship culture (40% vs. 15%). Sixty-eight percent actively invest time in helping colleagues learn and grow, and more than half view daily work as an opportunity for shared development, accelerating individual and collective progress.
"Winning with an AI-enabled strategy requires real investment in both technical skills and the human capabilities that technology can't replicate," said Dave Rizzo, chief talent officer, Deloitte. "Adaptability, connected teaming, and critical thinking should not be an afterthought. They're what unlock innovation, fuel high performance, and enable organizations to deliver differentiated results and stay ahead of what's next."
High-performing teams effectively pair AI with human strengths, reporting higher-quality outcomes in efficiency (93% vs. 77%), problem-solving (88% vs. 71%), and collaboration (79% vs. 57%). However, opportunities remain to address disconnects between leaders and members on contribution clarity, balance investments in technical and human skill development, and encourage exploratory behaviors that support innovation while learning constructively from failures.
The research underscores that high-performing teams can emerge across diverse industries, sizes, and compositions, proving that structure alone does not guarantee success. Leaders must adopt a holistic approach, investing equally in human and technical capabilities, promoting connected teaming, and building cultures of apprenticeship, structured learning, and trust to create agile, resilient organizations ready for ongoing disruption.
"In a market defined by constant disruption, the most durable competitive advantage is a workforce that can embrace continuous learning and adapt to the pace of change. While technology is a critical enabler, the core is human," concluded Simona Spelman, US human capital practice leader, Deloitte Consulting LLP. "By cultivating teams where curiosity and trust are paramount, leaders aren't just building a better culture; they are building a more agile and resilient organization, one that is ready for whatever comes next."
About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 9,000 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters for our people, clients, and communities. We bring together distinct talents, technologies, disciplines, and an ecosystem of alliances to help tackle today's most complex business challenges and drive long-term progress. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 180 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 470,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.
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