Proactive teams still need leadership and focus, VCU study finds

By Drew Thompson

Having proactive people with lots of ideas isn't enough to ensure a team's success: Without focus and leadership, their efforts can fizzle out or even create friction, according to a new study from Virginia Commonwealth University.

When leaders foster an environment of mindful communication, proactive teams can channel their energy into meaningful innovation instead of scattered efforts, said study co-author Christopher S. Reina, Ph.D., executive director of the VCU School of Business Institute for Transformative Leadership.

"In short, a proactive team doesn't automatically become innovative. They need a shared vision of where they're headed and a mindful leader whose communication helps unlock their full potential," Reina said.

The study, "Effects of Team Proactive Personality on Team Creativity Through Team Promotion Focus: The Moderating Role of Leader Mindful Communication," was published recently in the Journal of Business Research. It finds that a work environment focused on team promotion - big-picture goals, continuous growth and future opportunities - is pivotal to success.

Reina, alongside co-authors Wu Wei, Ph.D., and Xia Liu, both of Wuhan University in China, explored the potential impact of having a team of proactive individuals led by a communicative leader.

The research included two studies - one in which the researchers surveyed participants from seven companies in China and a second study which surveyed full-time managers who were also enrolled in a Master of Business Administration program. Participants responded to items measuring team proactiveness, mindfulness in leadership, team promotion focus and team creativity. The first sample consisted of 361 member responses across 86 teams and the second study included 505 team members alongside 133 team leaders.

Both studies pointed toward the same conclusion: that there is a clear correlation among team proactive personality, creativity and good leadership.

"This study shows that proactive teams - those eager to take initiative - are most creative when they share a strong focus on future goals and opportunities," Reina said. "Crucially, leaders who communicate mindfully - by being present, open and nonjudgmental - help these teams channel their energy into meaningful innovation."

The takeaway for business managers?

"To get the most out of proactive teams, cultivate a shared vision for growth and practice mindful, attentive communication," Reina said. "It's not just about having the right people - it's about leading them the right way."