In the competitive landscape of today’s business world, high performance is a key driver of success. To crack the code for high performance, leaders must understand that it’s not only about setting ambitious goals or pushing harder—it’s about creating an environment and culture that fosters excellence.
To help you visualise a high performing team, I could not go past the New Zealand All Blacks. Regarded as one of the most successful sporting teams on the planet, the All Blacks, are the most successful international men’s rugby side of all-time with a winning percentage of 77.12% over 612 Tests (1903-2021). Now I will confess to not following rugby, or many other sports, however I do love a story of high performance, particularly when it’s about cracking the code… how do they do it?
I had the privilege of hearing from the All Blacks Leadership Manager, Gilbert Enoka a few years ago as he talked about performance, consistency and behaviour as key success factors for high performance. As I thought about cracking the high performing code, I was reminded of Gilbert’s reflections. I have expanded on these reflections and offer you the opportunity to crack your own code for high performance.
- Inspire a Shared Vision
A high-performance team needs a compelling vision to work towards. Inspire and articulate a clear vision that resonates with team members’ values and aspirations. When individuals connect their work to a meaningful purpose, they are more motivated, engaged, and committed to achieving high standards of performance. Encourage creativity and innovation while staying focused on your shared vision to keep the team aligned and inspired. Within the All Blacks team, the entire organisation is clear about their purpose, and everyone is aware of what the group is trying to achieve and how are they going to get it.
- Develop and Empower Your Team
High performance is not the result of one individual’s efforts but a collective endeavour. Leaders must prioritise the development and empowerment of their team members. Provide opportunities for growth, training, and skill-building. Recognise and leverage each team member’s unique strengths and talents. Encourage autonomy and decision-making within the team, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. The All Blacks have developed their own “haka”, and they perform it before every match. (The haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace. Haka is a fierce display of a tribe’s pride, strength, and unity).
- Set Clear Goals and Expectations
For the All Blacks, the goals for the players have an intrinsic dimension. This pushes the players further as they seek to not only win for the team, but also for themselves. Setting clear, challenging, and achievable goals is fundamental to high performance. Communicate expectations, both in terms of outcomes and behaviours. Ensure that team members have a solid understanding of their roles and responsibilities, as well as how their work contributes to the overall success of the team. Regularly review and adjust goals as needed to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Foster a Culture of Accountability
Accountability is the backbone of high performance. Leaders must hold themselves and their team members accountable for their actions and results. A culture of accountability encourages transparency, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. When everyone is responsible for their performance and contributions, it creates a sense of trust and reliability within the team. The All Blacks adopt collective leadership. Leadership is for all to participate in. They say, one captain, fifteen leaders.
- Encourage Continuous Learning
High-performing teams are in a constant state of learning and improvement. Leaders should foster a culture of continuous learning and development. Encourage team members to seek feedback, learn from their mistakes, and adapt to changing circumstances. Invest in training and development programs to keep the team’s skills and knowledge up to date. The ability to adapt and learn from experience is critical for sustained high performance. The All Blacks are ruthless in their desire to stretch and grow their capability as a team.
- Promote a Healthy Work-Life Integration
Sustaining high performance requires consistency and integration. Leaders must recognise the importance of a healthy work-life. Encourage time management, stress management, and self-care among team members. High levels of stress and burnout can lead to decreased performance and morale. Prioritising well-being contributes to a more engaged, productive, and resilient team. The All Blacks adopt the phrase, “Keep a blue head”, meaning a calm and thoughtful approach, versus a red head, meaning a a state under which a player is off task, results-oriented, panicked and ineffective.
- Recognise and Reward Achievements
Acknowledging and celebrating achievements is a powerful motivator for high performance. Leaders should regularly recognise and reward exceptional contributions and accomplishments. These can be in the form of public acknowledgment, bonuses, promotions, or additional responsibilities. Such recognition not only boosts morale but also reinforces a culture of excellence. For the All Blacks, their high regard keeps pushing them to maintain a consistent focus that is important for the team’s legacy. The focus is on the past, present and future All Blacks team.
- Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is crucial for aligning the team with its goals and expectations. Leaders must maintain open lines of communication, ensuring that team members are informed, engaged, and can provide input. Listen actively to their concerns and ideas. Timely and transparent communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster a sense of unity. For the All Blacks, the team has core leadership group of people who sit alongside the coach and captain. They share the responsibility, contribute to the ideas and ensure that nothing gets missed.
- Embrace Change and Adaptability
In a rapidly evolving world, adaptability is a hallmark of high performance. Leaders must be willing to embrace change and encourage their teams to do the same. Encourage innovation, risk-taking, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. High-performing teams are agile and responsive to change, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve. This has been a key success factor for the All Blacks, leading to being known as one of the most successful sporting teams on the planet!
- Lead by Example
The All Blacks believe that their task is not only to represent all those who have come before them but also the ones who follow. Leaders must embody the principles of high performance they seek to instil in their teams. Lead by example in terms of work ethic, dedication, and commitment to the vision. Demonstrate resilience, accountability, and a growth mindset. Your behaviour sets the standard for your team, and they will mirror the values and work ethic they see in you.
Cracking the code for high performance requires adaptability, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to creating an environment that nurtures excellence. By inspiring a shared vision, developing, and empowering your team, and embodying the principles of high performance, you can lead your team to new heights of achievement and success, maybe, just like the New Zealand All Blacks.
Malik, S., Yadav, R. (2018) All Blacks: A Case Study of a High Performance Team, Indian Institute of Technology, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
Rita Cincotta writes, mentors, and speaks on individual and team performance, leadership development, resilience and new ways of working. She works with organisations to develop human centred solutions that help people and businesses to thrive.
Join our Leadership Impact Community here: https://ritacincotta.com/elevate-your-leadership-impact/