From the course: Maintaining a High-Performance Team

What is a high-performing team?

From the course: Maintaining a High-Performance Team

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What is a high-performing team?

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Take time to consider the truly great teams, and you might find yourself thinking of the 1990s Chicago Bulls basketball team, within which Michael Jordan was a central figure, or perhaps Microsoft, under the leadership of Bill Gates. These teams worked collaboratively towards exceptional results, sharing clear objectives, communicating openly and fostering a culture of trust and respect among members. I have been observing the attributes of high performing teams for many years and have realized they are all underpinned by three central elements. They have people who feel empowered, they have clearly defined processes, and they nurture supportive cultures. Here's why each element is crucial. Starting with empowered people, we need to acknowledge that high performing teams consist of individuals with unique strengths, collaborating seamlessly with one another. Each member should have a strong work ethic, be given autonomy, and have integrity and a growth mindset. Next, these talented individuals need to be supported and guided by clearly defined processes to ensure that tasks are completed with precision and consistency. Even in the modern world of working, where flexibility is prized by many, teams still need structure. High performing teams have established processes which ensure that high quality communication, goal setting, accountability, and recognition is consistently delivered throughout the organization. Finally, the glue that holds it all together, they all have nurturing and supportive cultures. Within a high performance culture, members feel valued, respected, and supported. They are therefore more likely to communicate openly, take ownership of their work, and collaborate effectively. High performing teams prioritize cultivating a culture of resilience, psychological safety, inclusion, and a one team ethos. Take a minute to consider your team. Do you have any of these elements in place? Perhaps you have all three, and if you do, are you consistently reviewing them to ensure your team continues to operate at its optimum?

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