While each team is unique, there are several traits that all high-performing teams have in common. Before we get into how to build a high-performing team, let’s understand the traits a high-performing team possesses. Ultimately, it will give you insight into what makes a high-performing team an important component in any organization.
Well-Defined Objectives Strongly Linked to Team and Organizational Priorities
High-performing teams establish individual and team goals that support a shared vision, ensuring that their efforts result in success. Goals are not only linked but also well stated, providing that everyone knows exactly what they must do and how to get there.
They Are Aware of How Their Work Contributes to the Organization's Overall Mission
When employees understand how their work contributes to the organization's overall goals and mission, they are more engaged and productive. One of the best characteristics of a high-performing team is that they know and understand the “why” regarding important aspects of a project. At the end of the day, all employees work together to achieve a universal goal.
Well-Defined Duties and Responsibilities
Conflict may quickly derail an otherwise brilliant and productive team. High-performing teams avoid conflict by explicitly outlining each person's position and responsibilities. This eliminates project ownership uncertainty, organizes procedures and timelines, and assures accountability across the board.
Clear and Courteous Communication
Conflict happens when communication and performance decreases. High-performing teams establish clear communication expectations so that everyone understands who they need to connect with. Conflict is unavoidable, but high-performing teams know how to handle it in a healthy manner.
Tasks and Deadlines Are Prioritized and Managed
High-performing teams concentrate on the most important issues and allocate their time accordingly. They recognize that not all work is of equal importance or urgency, and they prioritize and manage projects based on the tasks that have the most impact. This guarantees that work is aligned with corporate goals and that everyone is focused on growth-oriented tasks.
Now that you are aware of the characteristics of a high-performing team, let’s get into how to build one.
Create a Sense of Common Purpose
Employees need a cohesive purpose to have a sense of belonging to a team. This is where having defined goals and working together comes into play.
High-performing team leaders regularly evaluate team goals and priorities to ensure they are effective and well-coordinated. Keep organizational goals top-of-mind by frequently discussing and relating them to the team's work.
Use one-on-one meetings to check in on team members' progress, establish key priorities, and ensure that their work is aligned with the organization's broader goals. This fosters a sense of common purpose and guarantees that everyone is pulling in the same direction to improve performance.
Providing career resources for employees to better understand the organization and market can aid in creating a sense of purpose.
Communication Should be Simplified
High-performing teams must be flexible and focused, requiring clear, simplified communication. Establish clear communication methods and expectations to keep everyone on the same page.
Teams may use Slack channels for water cooler talks and team updates, but project management solutions like Asana are used to store project data, define duties, and track progress and assignments.
Set communication practices help avoid conflict and guarantee that important information is shared with the appropriate individuals. It assures that assignments and duties are clear and nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Invest In Employee Training and Development
Build a culture of continuous learning and growth if you desire consistent results. Curiosity is a trait shared by high-performing teams. They ask questions, investigate options, and make adjustments based on their discovery. Teams are more productive, efficient, and innovative when constantly expanding their knowledge and learning from past failures.
Invest in your employees' growth and development to boost team performance. Identify growth opportunities such as job training relevant to the team's requirements and priorities, as well as individual objectives. Employee development programs such as online bootcamps make employees feel more motivated, empowered, and prepared for their jobs.
Conclusion
Building a high-performing team takes time, but the results will be well worth it if you pull together the correct combination of abilities and experience and cultivate these key characteristics of a high-performing team.
