Build Connected Teams That Drive Strategic Success  

Creating a high performing team isn’t just about hiring the right people or setting ambitious goals. To achieve true strategic success, it’s essential to build connected teams where individuals trust, collaborate, and feel a shared sense of purpose. Without these elements, organisations risk siloed departments, disengaged employees, and missed opportunities for growth.

This article explores the importance of connected teams, the characteristics that define them, and actionable strategies to foster them in your organisation. By leveraging leadership development programs and promoting a positive organisational culture, you can build teams that not only meet but exceed their strategic goals.

What Is a Connected Team? 

A connected team is more than a group of people working together. It’s a dynamic system of individuals who share open communication, mutual respect, and a unified commitment to organisational success. 

Characteristics of Connected Teams 

These are the high performance team characteristics most common in connected teams:

• Shared goals and vision: Everyone is aligned with the team’s purpose and how it contributes to the organisation’s strategic objectives. 
• Trust and psychological safety: Team members feel safe to share ideas, voice concerns, and take risks without fear of judgment. 
• Open communication: Barriers between team members and departments are removed through frequent and transparent communication. 
• Collaborative spirit: Members actively support one another to achieve both individual and collective success. 

When these elements are present, teams don’t just function – they thrive. 

Why Connected Teams Are Vital

Increased Productivity 

When team members truly connect, minor inefficiencies and misunderstandings are replaced by seamless collaboration. In a 2017 study, Harvard Business Review found that companies with strong team development initiatives see up to a 25% increase in productivity because their employees work in harmony, not isolation.

Innovation Through Collaboration 

Innovation flourishes when people from diverse professional backgrounds and perspectives blend their ideas. Building connected teams fosters cross-pollination of expertise, enabling fresh, innovative solutions to arise organically. 

Higher Employee Satisfaction and Retention 

A team atmosphere characterised by trust, inclusion, and respect is essential for employee engagement. According to Gallup, 47% of disengaged employees leave within a year, while connected employees are far more likely to remain committed to the organisation. 

Now that you know why team connection matters, how can you cultivate it?

Strategies for Building Connected Teams

1. Foster Open Communication and Collaboration 

Connected teams thrive on open and honest communication. Ensure there are platforms and opportunities for team members to exchange ideas and solve challenges collectively.

How to apply this strategy:

• Hold daily stand-ups or weekly check-ins to align goals and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Use collaboration tools like Rumble Starters to facilitate ongoing dialogue.

2. Encourage Trust and Psychological Safety 

Trust is often described as the foundation of any successful team. Promoting an environment where employees feel psychologically safe enables open dialogue and mutual support. 

How to foster trust:

• Lead by example: Demonstrate vulnerability and approachability as a leader. 
• Address conflicts promptly and constructively to prevent long-term divides within the group. 
• Celebrate individual contributions and create space for diverse perspectives. 

3. Implement Leadership Development Programs 

Strong leadership is critical to cultivating connected teams. By focusing on developing leadership skills, your leaders can foster better relationships between team members.

Here’s what effective leadership development programs might look like:

• Coaching and mentoring programs tailored to new leaders. 
• Workshops emphasising emotional intelligence and communication skills. 
• Scenario-based training to help leaders manage conflict and guide teams effectively. 
• Empowered leaders set the tone for how teams function and connect.

4. Promote a Positive Organisational Culture 

Organisational culture has a profound impact on how connected employees feel. A positive culture reinforces shared values, mutual respect, and accountability. 

Steps to improve your organisational culture:

• Encourage social opportunities, such as team-building events or informal coffee catch-ups. 
• Prioritise diversity and inclusion to ensure every voice feels heard. 
• Share organisational wins and milestones to strengthen a sense of collective accomplishment.

Measuring the Success of Connected Teams 

Building connected teams is a worthwhile initiative, but how do you measure its success? 

Use our High Performance Team Scorecard 

Our High Performance Team Scorecard provides valuable insight into how well your efforts are working. Based on characteristics such as trust, collaboration, and individual accountability, this scorecard gives a detailed snapshot of your team’s dynamics. Consistent use means you can identify areas of improvement while tracking long-term progress. 

Invest in Continuous Team Development 

Even connected teams require maintenance. Partnering with external consultants or enrolling your employees in tailored team development training programs ensures they adapt to evolving strategic priorities and continue thriving in different circumstances.

Start Building Connected Teams Today 

Creating connected teams takes effort, but the rewards are unparalleled. By fostering open communication, building trust, and investing in leadership development programs, you can transform your teams into highly engaged and collaborative groups. 

Remember, achieving strategic success isn’t just about meeting targets – it’s about fostering teams that are ready and excited to pursue them. Take the first step today by assessing your team’s cohesion and considering professional development opportunities to bridge any gaps.