3 Tips to Move Your Team Toward High-Performing
Before we talk about how to move your team toward high-performing, let's define what a high-performing team looks like.
A high-performing team is one where hard work leads, without friction, to the achievement of the team's goal. A team where the structure and processes that have been set up properly support the achievement of the team's goals. Being part of the team feels easy and when people join or leave the team it does not disrupt performance.
In the ideal state, the team is capable of self-sustaining this level of high-performance overtime, it is built in as part of the process and relationships.
So, how do you get your team to this state?
In this article we will share 3 tips to get you started in the right direction. Know that high-performing teams do not just happen. It takes constant intention and a true understanding and belief in the value.
Tip 1: clarity of goals and roles. It starts at the beginning. As I work with individual members of teams, I am still shocked at how often employees don't have a clear understanding of their role, let alone how they fit into the bigger picture. I cannot stress enough how critical it is for every team member to know their role, the team’s goals, and how it all fits together. Each team member must clearly understand what their role is, what they and the team are working towards, and how they fit into the big picture. If you have not accomplished this as the team leader, there will be confusion and disruption and these distractions will hinder the performance of the team. This should be a repetitive conversation, not just a onetime event during onboarding or at the beginning of a project.
Tip 2: create a culture of open communications. The world of work is complex and less predictable than it was in the past, to succeed teams must improve interpersonal dynamics. Team members must have the skills to listen, respond, understand, discuss, and solve complex problems. Strong communication skills are a must. As the team leader, you must communicate effectively and hold your team accountable to it as well. Encourage the team to share opinions and concerns openly, without judgement. Allow space to discuss issues. Do not tolerate gossip and quickly address conflict without damaging relationships. The leader is the model for how others will communicate, set the right example.
Tip 3: build trust. Trust is an essential component for team members to fully engage. Trust does not just happen; it requires continuous and intentional effort to build and maintain. When trust is present, team members are able to work together, look out for each other, and communicate more effectively. It provides the team with the confidence that no one on the team would deliberately act in a way that undermines the efforts of others. As the leader, demonstrate and encourage others to accept the views, opinions, and ideas of others without judgement. Approach mistakes as an opportunity to learn rather than punish and recognize team members for making it easy to ask for help.