I am always curious about learning better ways to be productive and happier. You often hear people talking about being in the “Zone” or having a good “Flow”. Those moments in life when everything seems to make sense and you feel like anything is possible. In those moments it always feels like I have figured something out and it is so simple. Why can’t I always feel like that?
When you are able to have this “Flow” happen in a group, be it work or play, then it is even more amazing. The things we can accomplish together can change the world. What other studies and research have been done on the effectiveness of working together?
Charles Walker, of St Bonaventure University, wanted to test the idea that activities that lead people to a ‘flow state’ are more enjoyable when they are social, as opposed to solitary. Walker was referring to the concept of ‘flow’ as originally researched by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced MEE-hy CHEEK-sent-mə-HY-ee):
from Wikipedia
In his seminal work, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, Csíkszentmihályi outlines his theory that people are most happy when they are in a state of flow— a state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand and the situation. The idea of flow is identical to the feeling of being in the zone or in the groove. The flow state is an optimal state of intrinsic motivation, where the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing. This is a feeling everyone has at times, characterized by a feeling of great absorption, engagement, fulfillment, and skill—and during which temporal concerns (time, food, ego-self, etc.) are typically ignored.
We have all had experiences when things just seem to click — perhaps on a sunny spring day with a few friends snowboarding, concentrating on some project, or during an intense conversation — and we feel more alive, and happy. The emotion most associated with flow is joy. Obviously, we cannot be in a flow state at all times, but just as obvious is the fact that the more often we manage to achieve a flow state the better.
Walker started with the hypothesis that social flow states are more enjoyable to the individuals involved than solitary ones. So based off this research we are happier and more in the “zone” when we are doing social activities. Walker devised a study to compare the level of happiness (‘joy’) in solitary versus social activities. If you have the time is a very interesting read. He found that social activities seem to be inherently more satisfying in both work and recreational activities. It is a good reminder that we are social in our deepest DNA, and that we can accomplish great things when we work together.
Solitary flow can be very enjoyable, but still does not reach the same satisfactory levels as social flow. Walker’s research confirms what many of us already know and strive for: Walking together is better then working alone. Of course it is not always easy to find a good team and the right team, but when you do it can feel like anything is possible. Jim Collins does a very good job of dissecting this topic in his books. The conditions that lead to high performing teams are the same that lead to social flow:
- high attention among the group to the mental state of the others, also known as social sensitivity
- high level of competence of the team members
- a level of competence equal to the challenge confronting the team
- feedback on tasks and performance is immediate
- tasks are interdependent, requiring complementary participation
- a shared sense of purpose, and close identification with the group
- shared responsibility for accomplishing the group’s goal.
So I challenge us all to not give up on being open and continually learning how to work and play together. Sometimes it feels easier to do things as an individual and on your own terms … and I definitely think there is a lot of value to spending time alone. However when you can be supportive, honest, have open communication, and work hard within a team then I believe all your dreams can come true.
Boom!
- Rustin Sage Coburn
Subscribe
