How extreme teams are built to adapt, endure, and succeed

What is it about?

Extreme teams (e.g., firefighters, surgical teams, space crews) operate under intense pressure, uncertainty, and risk. This article reviews nearly 200 studies to better understand how these teams are structured internally and how their dynamics help them function effectively in extreme conditions. With that, three main profiles emerged: (1) agile experts, (2) cohesive mainstays, and (3) structured flex crews. We then provide meaningful lessons learned and methodological guidance for each profile to help researchers and practitioners working with extreme teams.

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Photo by Thomas Kinto on Unsplash

Photo by Thomas Kinto on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Extreme teams are often grouped together as if they face the same challenges, but this research shows that how a team is designed matters just as much as how extreme its context is. By identifying clear team profiles, this article helps researchers build more precise theories about team dynamics under stress and helps practitioners tailor leadership, training, and support to the specific type of extreme team they are working with. The findings also offer methodological guidance, encouraging more nuanced and innovative ways of studying teams that operate at the limits of human performance.