Studies suggest that workers in open-plan offices actually tend to be less productive, unhappier, and even unhealthier than people who work confined to their own personal spaces. Even if you hate your cubicle, it turns out it probably gives you fewer distractions, less stress, and reduced sick days.

To work effectively to meet commitments in a self-organizing, cross-functional team, you need to be creative. The relationship between teamwork and creativity is complicated, and by understanding it you can be more effective as a team.

Steve Berczuk writes on the importance of acknowledgement in making people feel good about work. Simply acknowledging someone’s effort can lead to increased engagement and motivation—and result in more productivity.