Build Teams That Drive Strategy Forward

High performing teams are the backbone of any successful organisation. They fuel innovation, execute strategies efficiently, and create a culture of continuous growth. Yet, building and sustaining such teams is a challenge that requires intention, skill, and strong leadership.

We explore how to develop teams that excel, focusing on actionable insights and strategies for building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving organisational success. Whether you’re leading teams at an executive level or in your first leadership role, these strategies will empower you to develop teams that not only meet but exceed expectations.

What Makes a High Performing Team? 

A high performing team is a group of individuals working collaboratively towards shared goals with a strong sense of trust, accountability, and focus. These teams don’t just complete tasks; they consistently go beyond expectations by leveraging each member’s strengths. 

The key to their success lies in three essential elements: clear goals, defined roles, and mutual trust. 

1. Clear Goals and Objectives 

Every successful team operates with direction. Clear, measurable goals align team efforts and ensure everyone is working toward the same outcome. Ambiguous objectives often lead to confusion, wasted effort, and inconsistent results. 

For instance, instead of saying “improve sales,” a better goal might be “increase new client conversion rates by 15% within six months.” This clarity sharpens focus and measures progress effectively. 

Action Tip: Break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps to keep your team focused and motivated while tracking progress effectively.

2. Defined Roles and Responsibilities 

When responsibilities are unclear, teams often experience inefficiency due to overlaps or critical gaps in work. Each team member should clearly understand their role, how it contributes to the bigger picture, and who they can turn to for support. 

Example: A digital marketing team might define roles such as content creators, analysts, and strategists. Everyone knows who owns what, fostering accountability and minimising confusion. 

3. Mutual Trust and Respect 

Strong teams are built on a foundation of trust and respect. When team members feel safe to share ideas, voice concerns, or even fail, collaboration thrives. A culture of trust enhances psychological safety, encouraging innovation and problem-solving without fear of criticism.

Action Tip: Encourage open communication, promote active listening, and ensure feedback is constructive, not punitive. When leaders model these behaviours, trust grows exponentially.

The Role of Leadership in Building and Sustaining High Performing Teams 

ParagEffective leadership acts as the glue holding high performing teams together. Leaders set the tone, define expectations, and create an environment where collaboration flourishes. Poor leadership, on the other hand, can hinder even the most capable teams. 

Key Leadership Practices for High Performing Teams 

1. Setting a Clear Vision: A strong leader inspires and motivates through a clear, compelling vision. This vision serves as a guiding north star for the team, helping them stay focused and aligned with organisational goals. 

2. Empowering Team Members: Micromanaging can stifle creativity and demotivate employees. Instead, empower team members by trusting them with authority and giving them autonomy to make decisions. When people feel ownership over their work, they contribute with more passion and commitment. 

3. Providing Support and Resources: Leaders who invest in team development through high performance team training, tools, and regular coaching create an environment for long-term success. When teams feel supported, they’re better equipped to meet challenges head-on. 

Action Tip: Use regular one-on-one check-ins to identify roadblocks and provide tailored support for individual growth.

Strategies for Building Effective Teams 

Selecting the Right Team Members 

The foundation of a great team is built at its inception. Research from Wageman, Hackman, and other scholars reveals that the Essentials and Enablers account for 80% of team success, and selecting the right people is a critical first step. The ideal team combines diverse perspectives, complementary skills, and shared values. 

• Identify Key Skills: Evaluate candidates based on not only technical ability but also soft skills like communication and adaptability. 
• Prioritise Diversity: Teams with diverse backgrounds and thinking preferences tend to outperform homogeneous ones, thanks to varied experiences and viewpoints. 
• Cultural Fit: Assess how well individuals align with organisational culture to ensure seamless integration into the team. 

Establishing Clear Roles and Responsibilities 

Once the team is assembled, assign tasks that make best use of each member’s strengths. The Essentials framework (Wageman & Hackman) highlights how clarity in roles significantly impacts team success.

• Document formal role descriptions to maintain clarity and accountability. 
• Conduct a skills gap analysis to highlight areas for development. 
• Pair responsibilities with individual interests to boost engagement and ownership. 

Fostering Open Communication and Feedback 

Communication is the lifeline of any team. Without it, even the best talent cannot succeed. 

• Develop a Communication Plan: Outline how the team will communicate (e.g., weekly meetings, project updates). 
• Encourage Active Listening: Teach team members to listen with empathy, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. 
• Regular Feedback: Create a culture where feedback is expected, constructive, and actionable. 

Building Trust and Psychological Safety 

Trust and psychological safety are foundational enablers of team success, as highlighted in Wageman and Hackman’s research. Leaders play a key role in fostering environments where trust can thrive.

• Facilitate team-building activities to encourage vulnerability-based trust. 
• Establish a no-blame policy to ensure that mistakes become opportunities to learn. 
• Model trust by demonstrating transparency and maintaining integrity in leadership decisions.

Creating Teams that Drive Success

Fostering a successful team is an ongoing process that necessitates dedication, transparency, and mutual respect. By implementing the strategies outlined—investing in trust, facilitating open communication, and empowering leadership—you create an environment where team members can thrive. Remember, strong teams are built on the principles of integrity, collaboration, and shared purpose. When these elements are prioritised, the results are not only higher productivity but also a culture that values and uplifts every individual.