Why performing teams need to think like economists – and act like athletes.
Over the last few years, we’ve all been reminded that change can happen fast – whether it’s global pandemics, supply chain chaos, or skyrocketing prices. Now, with inflation settling closer to its long-term average in places like the UK, there’s cautious optimism – but also a reminder that stability is often short-lived.
While economic headlines might seem far removed from your team’s day-to-day, the truth is: how we adapt to volatility – whether in prices, people, or priorities – can make or break team performance.
1. Uncertainty is the New Normal. Your Team Needs to Be Ready.
Inflation’s story over the past few years is a case study in unpredictability: one wave after another – from energy shocks to food price spikes to rising service costs – kept businesses and households on their toes.
In team settings, this translates directly: market changes, customer demands, and workplace dynamics shift constantly. The best teams don’t wait for stability – they build the skills to thrive in uncertainty.
Team takeaway:
Your team needs practice in navigating change, making decisions with incomplete information, and adjusting course quickly. The more they build those muscles in a controlled, gamified environment (like our team-building challenges), the more resilient they’ll be under real-world pressure.
2. Agility Beats Perfection
One key insight from how businesses handled inflation? The winners weren’t the ones who predicted the future correctly—they were the ones who adapted fast.
During peak inflation, many companies that relied on static pricing or rigid plans got caught flat-footed. In contrast, the more agile organizations revised strategies frequently, stayed in tune with market signals, and responded swiftly.
Team takeaway:
In a team context, this means embracing regular feedback loops, flexible thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. When team members are used to testing ideas, adapting roles, or adjusting tactics quickly, they become much more effective when things go off script.
3. Different People Experience Change Differently
Just as inflation didn’t hit everyone equally – renters, homeowners, low-income and high-income households all felt the cost-of-living crisis in different ways – changes in the workplace affect team members uniquely too.
Maybe some employees are managing caregiving, while others are adjusting to hybrid work. Economic stress impacts mental health, focus, and even interpersonal dynamics. The lesson? Leaders need to understand and respect those differences.
Team takeaway:
The most connected teams build psychological safety – spaces where people feel heard, respected, and valued. Strong leaders encourage open communication, foster empathy, and invest in trust-building.
4. The Real Competitive Advantage: Foresight + Action
No one had a crystal ball through the inflation crisis, but the most successful organizations combined data insights, scenario planning, and execution discipline. The same is true for teams.
Forward-thinking leaders train their teams not just to “react” but to anticipate, strategize, and take initiative – even when the picture isn’t clear.
Team takeaway:
Encourage your team to think proactively, develop contingency plans, and practice decision-making under time pressure. These are all skills we build in experiential programs like Level Up Teambuilding’s strategic games and scenario-based events.
Final Thought: Make Resilience a Habit
The inflation roller-coaster might be slowing down – but the next disruption is always around the corner. Whether it’s AI transformation, talent shortages, or global unrest, the future will continue to test your team’s flexibility.
Want your team to be ready?
Start training now – through team-building that’s fun, hands-on, and designed for real-world results. At Level Up Teambuilding, we equip teams with the tools to stay agile, connected, and high-performing – no matter what comes next.
📞 Let’s talk about how we can help your team build resilience in uncertain times.