What do Pixar, IBM, Adobe, and Netflix have in common? Apart from them being highly successful organizations, they also emphasize high performance in their company cultures. They have strategies and programs in place to build teams that are innovative, strategic, and performance-driven, which in turn delivers organizational benefits.
Employees serve as the fundamental building blocks of a business, while high-performing teams act as the framework that transforms the collective talent into exceptional results. High-performing teams leverage the particular strengths of each member, and by working together effectively, team members can achieve more. They can tackle complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and ensure the success of the tasks or projects they’re tasked with.
A high-performing team is a group of talented and driven individuals who work together toward a common goal. Thanks to a shared commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, high-performing teams are characterized by their ability to meet and often exceed their objectives.
High-performing teams can be found in any department. Wherever they’re assigned, they maximize their potential and deliver superior performance in line with their responsibilities. Typically, this results in boosted efficiencies, innovative solutions, and a competitive advantage.
The following are some other key characteristics of high-performing teams:
High-performing teams work together collaboratively. They function like well-oiled machines, each member contributing their strengths, skills, and knowledge to achieve their objectives.
Trust is the foundation of any successful team. High-performing teams maintain transparent and honest communication, ensuring all members are on the same page. Miscommunications and disagreements are resolved respectfully, and all members are made to feel valued.
Additionally, in a high-performing team, members are unafraid to speak up. They are comfortable sharing ideas and providing constructive criticism without fear of retribution. High-performing team members can freely own up to their mistakes and have honest, direct conversations with each other and their leaders.
High-performing teams are flexible, open to new ideas, and excited about change. Unlike employees who stick with an outdated process out of comfort or fear of change, high-performing team members are willing to take risks and change course when necessary to achieve their goals.
In a McKinsey survey of over 1,200 managers and employees in the U.S., about 82% of respondents believe having a purpose statement is essential. However, it is paramount to ensure that the purpose translates into action and has a real impact on how employees approach their work.
In high-performing teams, each member understands and is committed to the team’s overall vision and goals. A shared purpose is a powerful motivator, fueling individual contributions and guiding collective efforts towards success.
Not all high-performing teams consist of superstar employees from the get-go. Many begin with a few highly skilled and experienced members, along with lower-performing employees who display potential and are deeply committed to improvement. This mix can be a recipe for success if a supportive and collaborative environment exists.
Experienced members can function as mentors and coaches, and their knowledge transfer can boost the confidence and skills of lower-performing members. Another option is to consult a training services provider. These professional experts offer access to specialized skills that may not be readily available within the team. They can develop and deliver targeted training programs to address specific skill gaps, process inefficiencies, or knowledge deficiencies.
A high-performing team requires an equally high-performing leader. Ideally, teams should be led by those with essential leadership qualities, such as vision and strategic thinking.
High-performing leaders are also able to:
Some readers may wonder why they should learn how to build a high-performing team and what benefit it offers. The answer lies in the fact that high-performing teams are instrumental to organizational growth and success.
Here are just some of the many benefits that building high-performing teams brings to both individual employees and the companies they work for:
High-performing teams are adept at maximizing their productivity. These teams can achieve more in less time by leveraging each member’s strengths and ensuring that tasks are aligned with individual skills. Setting clear goals, communicating effectively, and using streamlined processes contribute to their ability to work efficiently and consistently deliver high-quality results.
One of the hallmarks of high-performing teams is their capacity for innovation and creative problem-solving. These teams foster an environment where diverse ideas are welcomed, and team members feel empowered to experiment and take risks. This culture of creativity leads to the development of innovative solutions that can provide a competitive edge and drive business growth.
Members of high-performing teams often experience higher levels of job satisfaction and engagement. When individuals feel valued and see the direct impact of their contributions, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work. This positive work environment reduces turnover rates and helps attract top talent, further strengthening the team.
High-performing teams excel in decision-making due to their collaborative approach and diverse perspectives. By leveraging open dialogue and active listening, these teams can consider multiple viewpoints and arrive at well-rounded, informed decisions. This inclusive decision-making process reduces the likelihood of errors and enhances the overall quality of outcomes.
Organizations with high-performing teams are more resilient when facing challenges and changes. These teams are adaptable and capable of responding swiftly to new circumstances, whether it’s a market shift, a technological advancement, or an internal reorganization. Their ability to navigate uncertainty and maintain performance levels helps ensure long-term stability and success.
Setting ambitious but achievable goals provides a clear direction and purpose, motivating team members to work tirelessly towards a shared vision. Aligning these goals with overall business objectives ensures a cohesive strategy and maximizes resource allocation.
It is essential to ensure that goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-based (SMART). Clear, concise, and well-defined, SMART goals are ambitious yet realistic. They can also be monitored and tracked, allowing employees and leaders to gauge their progress and performance.
Additionally, by deconstructing larger goals into manageable tasks, teams can consistently track their progress and celebrate milestones along the way, maintaining momentum and motivation.
Recruitment shouldn’t simply be about filling open positions. It should be focused on building a solid foundation for a high-performing team.
Leveraging new and proven recruitment approaches can attract genuinely interested candidates who meet your business’s needs, align with your values, and are a cultural fit. Some examples are:
Choosing the right team members is critical to the success of a high-performing team. This involves:
Creating a positive team culture is essential for fostering collaboration and productivity. This can be achieved by:
Supporting high-performance team development and growth is crucial for maintaining excellent performance. This may include providing the following:
High-performance team building is a continuous process that requires attention to detail, a commitment to fostering a positive culture, and a strategic approach to goal setting and team composition. By following these guidelines, you can create a team that not only meets but exceeds its objectives, driving your business toward greater success.
HPWP Group offers expert guidance and actionable advice on building high-performing teams through training programs, seminars, and coaching sessions. Our book, Creating the High-Performance Workplace, is a valuable resource for organizations wishing to learn how to build a high-performing team and unlock their workforce’s full potential. It is a practical roadmap for leaders to ignite high performance in themselves and others.
For more information about our approach to creating the best workplace possible, reach out to us today.