7 Characteristics of High Performing Teams

High performing teams are a game-changer in delivering exceptional results and building a thriving workplace culture. But what exactly sets these teams apart from the rest? Whether you’re leading a small project team or overseeing an entire department, developing leadership capabilities in high performing teams is essential for success in today’s workplace. 

This guide will walk you through the seven key characteristics that define high performing teams, offering actionable insights and strategies to help you build and lead one effectively.

Take our High Performance Team Scorecard to see how your team rates!

1. A Shared Sense of Purpose and Direction

High performing teams don’t just show up to work; they operate with a clear mission and understanding of their goals. This shared sense of purpose ensures everyone is aligned and working toward a common vision.

Why Purpose Matters 

A compelling purpose fuels motivation and ensures every team member knows the “why” behind their work. This clarity eliminates misunderstandings and aligns the team’s efforts with the organisation’s broader objectives. 

How to Foster Purpose 

• Define a Team Mission: Ask questions like, “What would be missing if this team didn’t exist?” Your answers can guide the creation of a meaningful mission statement.
• Set Measurable Goals: Clearly outline success criteria so progress is trackable and celebrated. 

Teams that align their direction and goals are not just productive but deeply engaged.

2. Living the Values

Values and behaviours are the glue that holds high performing teams together. Without a set of agreed-upon norms, inconsistency creeps in, undermining trust and collaboration. 

From Values to Action 

It’s one thing to state values on paper, but high performing teams actively live them through behaviours. For instance, if “mutual respect” is a value, behaviours like active listening and constructive feedback should reinforce it. 

Create Team-Specific Norms 

• Distinguish Team Values vs Organisational Values: While company-wide values provide a foundation, it’s important to develop specific norms that reflect the unique dynamics of your team.
• Revisit Regularly: Align values with the team’s evolving goals and challenges. 

This commitment creates mutual respect and accountability, key ingredients of long-term success.

3. Trust and Real Dialogue

Building trust is at the heart of team dynamics. Without it, even the most talented teams falter due to lack of openness and engagement. 

Building Psychological Safety 

High performing teams make it safe for members to express their insights, opinions, and concerns without fear of judgment. This creates an open environment for innovation and problem-solving. 

Encouraging Real Dialogue 

• Normalise Healthy Conflict: A lack of conflict often signals suppressed issues, rather than well-functioning trust.
• Develop Communication Skills: Leverage techniques like Brené Brown’s vulnerability frameworks to foster candid and constructive discussions. 

When trust and dialogue thrive, leading teams move from mere participation to genuine collaboration.

4. Coaching and Development

Every individual in a high performing team has opportunities to shine and grow. Leaders of these teams prioritise development, not just for select employees but for everyone. 

Developing People for Success 

Great coaching goes beyond traditional performance reviews. It involves creating an environment where skills and abilities are nurtured, and strengths are leveraged. 

How to Build a Culture of Coaching 

• Encourage Peer-to-Peer Accountability: Empower team members to mentor and support one another. 
• Invest in Training: Provide consistent opportunities for building both technical skills and emotional intelligence. 

When coaching is embedded in the team’s DNA, everyone benefits, not just the “top talent.”

5. Constructive Collaboration 

Collaboration isn’t just about working together; it’s about working together well. High performing teams approach collaboration with methods that enhance collective problem-solving. 

From Individual Effort to Collective Success 

While helping others achieve individual goals is essential, true collaboration focuses on achieving shared objectives as a team. Individual ambitions take a backseat to collective impact. 

Techniques for Effective Collaboration 

• Break Down Silos: Reinforce the principle that the team you’re part of is more important than the team you lead.
• Focus on Team Goals: Align everyone around shared deliverables. 

Teams that collaborate effectively not only meet their goals but often exceed them.

6. Fostering Innovation 

Innovation doesn’t just happen; it’s nurtured by teams that encourage experimentation and creative thinking. High performing teams continually look for ways to challenge the status quo. 

Building a Culture of Innovation 

Teams that innovate are comfortable with uncertainty and are willing to explore new ideas without fear of failure. 

Practical Steps to Boost Innovation 

• Encourage Experimentation: Create space for brainstorming without the immediate pressure of implementation.
• Reflect and Improve: Regularly review team performance to identify areas for innovation. 

When innovation is built into daily operations, growth becomes second nature. 

7. Delivering Performance 

At their core, high performing teams are not just about collaboration and innovation; they deliver results consistently. These teams meet and often exceed their goals while setting higher benchmarks for success. 

Empowering Teams to Perform 

Performance happens when a team’s health and alignment are prioritised over micromanagement. Paradoxically, teams perform better when given the support and autonomy to achieve their goals. 

Strategies for Sustained Success 

• Foster Accountability: Empower team members to take ownership of their tasks. 
• Balance Health and Performance: Remember, focusing solely on tasks without attention to team health limits long-term success. 

By aligning health with performance, teams set a standard for excellence that others aspire to. 

Key Steps to Apply These Traits 

High performing teams don’t form overnight, but by addressing these seven characteristics, you’ll be well on your way to creating one. Start by assessing where your team stands. Use this insight to implement targeted initiatives like high performance team training or effective leadership coaching. 

Invest in your team today for results that speak volumes tomorrow!