How does a good team climate actually develop – and what can you specifically do when the mood in the team starts to decline? This was the central topic of the 2nd Moodtalk Meetup, which took place online on April 4, 2025. Under the title “How to Strengthen Collaboration”, we explored essential questions about team dynamics, mood differences, and psychological safety – with plenty of practical input and room for exchange.

Insights from Aviation – with Tobias Fietze

Guest speaker: Tobias Fietze, captain of an Airbus for a major Swiss airline and consultant in error management, organizational culture, and team processes at emocia. He brought a unique perspective: what works daily in airplane cockpits can also be transferred to teams in companies. Clear communication, structured decision-making, and a high level of responsibility are vital for survival there. And metaphorically speaking, also crucial for team collaboration.

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His key message: Team climate doesn’t happen by accident. It must be actively shaped.

5 Typical Challenges – and How to Tackle Them

During the meetup, five classic challenges frequently encountered in teams were discussed. Each situation was accompanied by actionable strategies for team members and leaders:

1. Decreasing or Persistently Low Mood Levels

When energy in the team repeatedly hits rock bottom, it’s time for a closer look:

• What issues are being avoided?
• Is work continuing despite clear friction?
  
  

Tobias’ advice: Call a stop, gather feedback, and collaboratively define new paths. Tools like Moodtalk help visualize mood and intervene early.

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Key takeaway: Psychological safety is the foundation of a strong team climate. Without it, open communication can’t thrive.

2. Different Mood States Within the Team

Some team members are highly motivated, while others withdraw. Why?

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Often, it's because not everyone’s needs are being equally met. Tobias recommended using competence and needs analyses – for instance, via the Moodtalk Team Wiki. It reveals what individuals need to reach their full potential.

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Key takeaway: Teams work well not when everyone thinks the same, but when different needs are seen and respected.

3. Challenging Group Dynamics

Sometimes a shared foundation is missing. In aviation, clearly defined roles, rules, and goals ensure smooth collaboration.

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Applied to teams, this means: shared principles and a common mission make all the difference. The Moodtalk Wiki supports teams in making these foundations visible and binding.

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Key takeaway: Clear ground rules and shared goals provide orientation – especially in uncertain or conflict-laden phases.

4. Conflicts Between Individual Team Members

Differences in personality, communication style, or values can create tension. The decisive factor is whether a team has an open conflict culture or sweeps tensions under the rug.

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External support (e.g. mediation) can help if patterns become entrenched. Moodtalk aids in recognizing early signals and fostering structured dialogue.

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Key takeaway: Conflicts aren’t the problem – a lack of conversation is. Early communication prevents escalation.

5. Faction Formation Within the Team

“Us vs. them” – when teams split into cliques, overall performance suffers. Tobias pointed to insights from social psychology: shared goals help bridge existing divides. What matters is whether the team sees a higher purpose that unites them beyond their differences.

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Key takeaway: Factions aren’t resolved by appealing to team spirit – but through genuine connection and shared challenges.

Our Conclusion: Team Climate Is No Coincidence

The meetup clearly demonstrated: a strong team climate doesn’t fall from the sky. It arises from conscious decisions, the courage to reflect – and from tools that support teams.

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Moodtalk makes moods, needs, and principles visible, giving teams a shared language for things that often go unspoken.

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