ABSTRACT
This chapter bridges the literature on shared mental models with the individual zones of optimal functioning (IZOF) model to present a new framework called shared zones of optimal functioning (SZOF). The SZOF is an adaption and expansion of the probabilistic approach to estimate individual zones of optimal functioning, aimed at describing and explaining optimal and sub-optimal performance in team settings. In what follows, the theoretical tenets and the applied implications of this new conceptual framework are discussed. Specifically, it is illustrated how this framework can be used to (a) generate probabilistic curves linked to optimal and sub-optimal performance in teams; (b) capture teammates’ psychobiosocial synchrony and discriminate leaders and followers within a team; namely, the leader–follower dichotomy or shared leadership patterns; and (c) track “good” and “bad” momentum over time. The chapter concludes by discussing avenues for future research.
