Observing Team Performance in a Clinical Setting

During a busy day in one of our clinics, I would often take a step back to simply observe. It’s amazing what you can learn when you remove yourself from the day-to-day rush and just watch. Over time, this became a habit—one that allowed me to assess how we functioned as a team.

Much like a sports team, our staff moved with synchrony, purpose, and energy. Team members were making plays, caring for patients, and supporting each other to create an environment that fostered healing. The concept of "flow"—a state where work feels almost effortless—is something I’ll cover in a future blog, but for now, let’s talk about what makes a team successful.

The Sports Team Metaphor: Setting Goals and Achieving Success

At staff meetings, I often discussed the importance of teamwork and how each person plays a critical role in achieving success. No one player is more important than another, but each contribution matters. The level of engagement and performance of each individual impacts not just patient outcomes but also the overall health of the business.

Successful sports teams share common traits:

• Clear goals: They know what “winning” looks like.

• Defined roles: Players have specific responsibilities but work toward a shared purpose.

• Reflection & growth: Great teams celebrate wins and learn from losses.

• Strong coaching & development: Elite teams invest in training and motivation.

Having worked with both college sports teams and clinical teams, I’ve seen firsthand how these principles apply across settings. But what truly unlocks a team’s potential? The answer lies in performance psychology.

What Is Performance Psychology?

Performance psychology studies how individuals and teams engage in goal-oriented behaviors. In a clinic, everyone is performing at some level:

• Patients are striving to improve.

• Therapists are working to enhance their skills.

• Clinical teams are focused on operational excellence.

A well-run clinic operates like a high-functioning sports team—it’s a dynamic study of human behavior and motivation. Performance psychology provides research-backed methods for helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals while combating burnout and inefficiency.

Motivational Climate: Performance vs. Mastery

One key concept from performance psychology is motivational climate, which comes from Achievement Goal Theory (AGT). It refers to how team members perceive success and falls into two categories:

Performance Climate

• Focuses on results through competition.

• Employees compare their performance to others.

• High pressure, high anxiety, and high energy expenditure.

• Can drive success for some but often contributes to burnout.

Mastery Climate

• Emphasizes learning, effort, and collaboration.

• Encourages skill development over direct competition.

• Helps employees reallocate mental resources toward engagement and patient care.

• Reduces stress and enhances long-term performance.

While productivity goals are necessary in physical therapy, the climate in which they’re pursued directly impacts employee well-being. A high-pressure, competition-driven approach often leads to a downward spiral of stress and underperformance.

How to Foster a Mastery Climate in Your Clinic

To create a motivational climate that fuels both productivity and well-being, consider these strategies:

1. Contextualize Organizational Goals

Instead of simply posting goals, explain why they matter. Align them with your clinic’s mission and values to create a sense of shared purpose. When employees understand the bigger picture, engagement improves.

2. Build a Culture of Learning

Prioritize skill development rather than just results. Break down major objectives into smaller, achievable steps.

Example: A clinic struggling with high cancellation rates shifted focus from the end goal to incremental process improvements. This reduced anxiety, increased confidence, and ultimately achieved the desired outcome.

3. Foster Team Collaboration

Encourage open dialogue about challenges and successes. Downplay competition and create an atmosphere where learning from each other is valued. Leaders should actively engage employees in discussions that promote autonomy and mastery.

Why This Matters Now

Motivational climate is just one aspect of performance psychology’s role in healthcare, but it’s a crucial one. As clinics navigate post-pandemic pressures and evolving reimbursement models, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment can make all the difference.

By recognizing that your clinic’s success depends on each team member performing at their best, you can implement strategies that drive better outcomes for your patients, your staff, and your business.

Want to learn how to apply performance psychology principles to elevate your clinic’s success? Check out our latest course -- designed to help you create a thriving, motivated team while achieving your business goals.