The Contagion Effect

How One Person's Energy Infects the Whole Team

I don't know what was in the water at basketball practice Sunday, but holy shit, it was electric.

Our coached scrimmage had the perfect setup: 10 players total, clean 5-on-5 rotations. Nothing unusual there. But something was absolutely different about the energy coming from the bench.

The five guys I wasn't playing with had this level of intensity that was infectious. They were locked in, calling out plays, celebrating every good pass, every defensive stop, every hustle play. When the whistle blew for substitutions, those of us coming in were already amped before we touched the ball.

That's not normal.

Don't get me wrong—we're always supportive, high-fiving on rotations, encouraging each other. But this was something else entirely. This energy showed up as crisp passing, sprinting transitions, scrapping for offensive rebounds, and teamwork that just kept building on itself.

I found myself running harder, playing tougher, fighting for rebounds I normally wouldn't chase. And I could feel that effort transferring back to the guys on the bench, who got even more energized watching us battle.

It was a beautiful feedback loop. And like most of my basketball observations, it translates directly to every team situation you'll ever encounter.

Behaviors Are Viral

Here's the thing about energy: it spreads faster than gossip in a small office. You know how yawns are contagious? Energy works the same way—except instead of making people tired, the right energy makes them unstoppable.

The good stuff is contagious. That level of support, that fun, that genuine enthusiasm—it lifts people up and makes them want to maintain the momentum. They try harder, support each other more, and the whole cycle accelerates.

But here's what most teams don't want to acknowledge: the negative stuff spreads just as fast.

There's a famous study where researchers planted an actor in work groups. This person would put their head down, disagree without offering solutions, and complain constantly. The results? That single negative presence dragged down the performance and mood of the entire team.

One person. One energy vampire. Entire team infected.

So How Do You Steer the Contagion?

You can't control group dynamics like a thermostat, but you can absolutely influence them. Here's how:

Reward and recognize the behaviors that matter—especially when things are already going well. Don't wait for problems to start talking about what good teamwork looks like. When you see effort, when you see support, when you see someone making others better—call it out. Make it visible. Make it the standard.

Address energy drains quickly and directly. When you spot someone consistently bringing others down, don't hope it'll fix itself. Take them aside and share what you're observing. Most people don't realize they're being the negative actor in the study.

Understand you're always broadcasting. Whether you realize it or not, your energy is influencing the room. Your frustration, your excitement, your engagement—it's all contagious. The question is: what are you spreading?

The Leader's Contagion Responsibility

Look, we're not perfect. We all have good days and bad days. But group dynamics are powerful, and understanding these levers won't give you complete control—nothing will—but it'll help you spot the good and bad patterns early and steer things in the right direction.

The energy you bring to your team isn't just about you. It's about everyone around you who's going to catch whatever you're carrying.

So ask yourself: What are you spreading today?

Want to help your team create those moments of infectious positive energy? Our workshops are designed to build the psychological safety and connection that makes great team chemistry possible. Let's talk about building that contagion effect.