What High Performing Teams do Differently

Every organisation dreams of unlocking the secret to sustained success. While there are many approaches to achieving this, one critical factor consistently stands out in research and practice alike: the power of high performing teams. These teams don’t just hit targets or meet benchmarks; they drive significant strategic outcomes that can propel organisations forward.

According to a Gallup study, high performing teams are 21% more profitable and experience 59% lower staff turnover than their less cohesive counterparts. When teams work effectively together, the results speak volumes: increased innovation, higher employee engagement, and stronger organisational culture. 

Defining High-Performing Teams

Before focusing on actionable strategies, it’s crucial to first define what high performing teams look like. At their core, these teams share distinct traits and behaviours that set them apart. Understanding these characteristics is the first step to replicating their success.

High Performance Team Characteristics

1. A Shared Sense of Purpose and Direction: High performing teams have a clear direction, aligned mission and know their measures of success.
2. Live the Values:  High performing teams have a clear set of values and behaviours which are agreed to, referenced and lived.
3. Have Trust and Real Dialogue:  High performing teams have the confidence and capability to communicate effectively by engaging in robust discussions without making it personal.
4. Coach and Develop People:  High performing teams coaching each other and value peer-to-peer accountability above top-down accountability from managers. Managers also need to play an important role and be available when needed to support their charges.
5. Engage in Constructive Collaboration:  Healthy teams act as one, enabled by collective work goals to create meaningful, constructive collaboration.
6. Foster Innovation: Team members challenge current approaches while encouraging and supporting each other to foster innovation.
7. Deliver Performance: The team meets or exceeds its goals and is a role model for getting things done.

Understanding and cultivating these traits is foundational to building teams that drive organisational strategy.

The Role of Psychological Safety

High performing teams don’t just come together by chance. One of the most crucial elements underlying their effectiveness is a sense of psychological safety. Psychological safety is a concept introduced by Harvard professor Amy Edmondson. It describes an environment where team members feel secure enough to take risks, voice concerns, share ideas, and challenge existing norms without fear of embarrassment, punishment, or retribution.

Why Does Psychological Safety Matter?

• Encourages Innovation: When employees feel safe, they’re more likely to present creative solutions, even if those ideas challenge the status quo. 
• Boosts Engagement: Employees who feel valued are more engaged, contributing meaningfully to their work. 
• Builds Trust: Psychological safety creates a foundation of trust, which is essential for collaboration and accountability. 

Studies have found that teams with high levels of psychological safety significantly outperform teams where individuals feel hesitant to speak up. For organisations keen on driving strategy, creating a safe environment is non-negotiable.

Leadership’s Impact on Building High-Performing Teams

At the heart of every great team is effective leadership. Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping team dynamics, setting the tone for collaboration, and ensuring all members feel supported.

Empowering Through Trust

Great leaders trust their teams to deliver, avoiding micromanagement while maintaining accountability. Trust fosters autonomy, allowing team members to take ownership of their work.

Support as a Foundation

Leadership development programs consistently underscore that support is a critical component of high performing teams. When employees feel they have guidance, access to resources, and mentorship, they are more likely to excel.

Vision-Driven Leadership

Exceptional leaders inspire teams by connecting their work to a larger purpose. By articulating how individual contributions align with long-term strategic goals, leaders ensure everyone is rowing in the same direction.

Leaders who prioritise these elements fundamentally shape a positive organisational culture where high performing teams can emerge and thrive.

Strategies for Building High-Performing Teams

Whether you lead a small team or manage an entire department, fostering high performance requires intention and action. Here are some strategies that can guide your efforts:

1. Foster Open Communication

• Regularly host team check-ins to discuss progress and hurdles. 
• Encourage a “no bad ideas” culture during brainstorming sessions. 
• Utilise feedback tools such as surveys or one-on-one meetings to ensure all voices are heard. 

2. Set Clear Goals

• Develop SMARTER (specific, measurable, action-oriented and achievable, relevant and realistic, time-based, energising, rewarding ) goals for both the team and individual members. 
• Tie daily tasks to larger strategic outcomes to provide meaning behind objectives. 

3. Invest in High Performance Team Training

• Conduct workshops focusing on collaboration, conflict resolution, and leadership development. 
• Hire external coaches to provide tailored high performance team training in line with your organisation’s goals. 

4. Provide Regular Feedback

• Recognise and celebrate successes, no matter how small. 
• Offer constructive feedback that is actionable and focused on improvement rather than criticism. 

5. Cultivate Collaboration

• Foster a culture of open communication and respect for diverse perspectives. 
• Set clear expectations and goals for teamwork and hold team members accountable for their contributions. 

6. Prioritise Psychological Safety

• Ensure meetings are inclusive by actively encouraging those who often remain quiet to share their thoughts. 
• Model vulnerability as a leader by admitting when you don’t have all the answers. 

7. Align with Organisational Culture

• Reinforce daily behaviours and decisions with your organisation’s values. 
• Regularly communicate how your team contributes to the broader company mission.

Implementing these strategies will not only enhance your team’s performance but will also reinforce a robust organisational culture that keeps employees engaged and motivated.

Driving Success Through People

High performing teams are the driving force of successful organisations. By fostering psychological safety, providing strong leadership, and implementing targeted strategies, businesses can fuel innovation and accomplish their lofty strategic goals. 

Investing in leadership development programs and high performance team training isn’t just about hitting short-term targets; it’s about creating a lasting impact that resonates across the entire organisation. When your people thrive, so does your business.

To learn more about building and sustaining high performing teams, explore our resources or connect with us directly for tailored solutions. Leaders are only as strong as their teams; build yours intentionally.