David Burkus

Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science Of High-Performing Teams
Why are some teams more motivated, more innovative, and more successful than others? Why do some groups of talented and seemingly compatible people fall short against lesser teams with less suitable members? And why are we still so surprised about which team members excel, and which ones fail?

We know that high-performing teams deliver higher value results more consistently. But how do you build that high performing team? More often than not, great teams don’t become great because they recruit top talent or pay top dollar. Instead, building the best team ever is about shaping the habits and culture that bring out the best in each team member.

In this highly interactive program, we’ll review what the effective teams in the world do differently, and how you can start doing the same on your team. Leaders will leave with a clear and concise understanding of how the culture of their team affects its performance and a simple and practical blueprint for how to build the best team ever.

Key Takeaways:
- How to create clarity and dependability on any team.
- How to generate team cohesion and cooperation.
- How to build purpose and meaning into every role on a team.

Click: Why Some Teams Collaborate Fast And Others Just Collapse
Every leader dreams of a team that just "clicks," one that collaborates effortlessly, tackles challenges head-on, and delivers results time and time again. But not every team reaches this pinnacle of performance. Some teams struggle from the beginning, others start strong and fall apart. And many just coast along. In each case, engagement breaks down and performance suffers. Why is it that some teams break records while others just break down?

Most leaders think the solution is more talent, more resources, or even more meetings. But the real key is mastering the two elements of great collaboration: clarity and empathy. When people understand not just their roles and responsibilities (clarity), but also the personalities and work preferences of their teammates (empathy), their teams operate at a higher level. When they don't, they're just one misunderstanding away from collapse.

In this evidence-based, high-energy keynote, Dr. David Burkus will reveal the surprising science behind why some teams succeed while others spiral into dysfunction. You'll learn how to establish instant clarity, alignment, and accountability, even in the newest or most complex teams. And you’ll leave with research-backed insights, practical tools, and actionable strategies to elevate your team’s performance immediately.

Ready to unlock effortless collaboration and unstoppable performance?

Let's make your team "click."

The Trust Loop: The Hidden Pattern That Builds (or Breaks) Your Team
Every leader wants a team they can trust. Every teammate wants to know their trust is earned. But here’s the reality: Trust isn’t built in a moment; it's grown over time with each and every interaction.

Trust isn't given. Trust isn't earned. Trust is reciprocated.

The highest-performing teams don’t just hope for trust—they build it, reinforce it, and protect it through a powerful feedback cycle–The Trust Loop. Every time trust is extended, it needs to be met with respect to keep the cycle going.

In this dynamic and research-backed keynote, Dr. David Burkus reveals a proven framework for reinforcing trust in every interaction. You'll learn why trust erodes faster than you think—and how to prevent it from slipping away, but also how great teams recover from failures and setbacks without losing trust. And you'll leave with a practical blueprint to strengthen trust and drive results.

Let’s get The Trust Loop going. 

Innovation Is A Team Sport
Why do so many innovation efforts fail? Why do our best attempts at creative problem-solving never seem to reach their full potential?

The cause of both frustrations, it turns out, is actually the same. In this keynote, Burkus targets a common misconception about creativity and innovation efforts: that it has to do with changing how individuals think. Instead, research reveals that “lone creators” are historically rare, and for most innovations, creativity is a team sport. By combining insights from social science research and practical takeaways from the most innovative companies and teams, Burkus outlines a prescription for any team or organization to work more creatively together, without silos, politics, or frustration. Burkus’ insights are practical, applicable, and tailored to the audience’s situation.

Key Takeaways:
- Why creativity is everyone’s business
- How to leverage conflict for more innovative ideas
- How to find the best ideas in your team or organization