When organisations engage me to work with their teams, the brief almost always includes an element of high performance. Whether at the team or organisational level, the first step is defining what high performance means for them. Once that’s clear, we identify what’s impacting performance, what great looks like, and what might get in the way.
Not every team needs to be elite, but every team does need to be effective. High-performing teams don’t just chase results – they operate with clarity, trust, and accountability, creating an environment where people can do their best work. Whether your focus is innovation, efficiency, or impact, the difference between a good team and a great one often comes down to intentional leadership.
So how do you build a team that doesn’t just function but excels? Here are six areas to focus on.
1️⃣ Recruit the Best Person for the Role
This sounds obvious, but a lack of effort here will create pain later.
Think beyond just filling a vacancy. What does the team need? Consider technical skills, experience, and diversity – particularly cognitive diversity. Different perspectives and ways of thinking help teams grow and improve collective problem-solving.
2️⃣ Design Your Team Structure and Roles Well
Your team structure and roles must be intentional. What is the purpose of the team? What capabilities are required? Every role should have clear accountabilities and measures of success. A lack of clarity creates confusion, frustration, and tension. Role clarity sets boundaries, defines contribution, and aligns individual roles to team goals.
3️⃣ Invest in Team Development
The best time to invest in team development is when a team is formed or experiencing change. Tools like Clarity 4D or Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument provide insights into communication styles and behaviours, helping teams understand how different approaches impact collaboration. Teams can also focus on practical topics like managing change, resilience, communication, and trust. Taking time to set or revisit team strategy is always a worthwhile investment.
4️⃣ Build High Trust in the Team
Stephen R. Covey said, “Trust is the glue of life… it’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” Without trust, performance suffers. Communication, accountability, results, and the ability to handle conflict all depend on it.
- What does trust look like in a high-performing team?
- Team members give and receive feedback openly.
- Vulnerability and authenticity are encouraged.
- There is strong commitment to shared goals.
- Accountability exists at both individual and team levels.
- Diverse views are expressed respectfully, knowing they drive better outcomes.
5️⃣ Don’t Be Complacent About Culture
Culture is energy. It shifts based on who is in the team, how leadership shows up, and where focus is placed. Early on, teams often experience positivity, excitement, and growth, but if culture isn’t nurtured, it deteriorates.
Complacency leads to a focus on operational output at the expense of team dynamics. Regular pulse checks – not just an annual engagement survey – give real-time feedback on how people are experiencing work and where improvements can be made.
6️⃣ Align Team Goals with Individual Goals
This is what I call the ‘goal cascade’ process. When individual goals align with organisational goals, people understand how they contribute to the bigger picture. This creates a sense of purpose, belonging, and motivation. Transparency around organisational goals helps team members see their role in driving success. A goal cascade exercise can clarify this alignment.
High-performing teams don’t happen by chance. They are built through careful selection of team members, well-structured roles, clear purpose, aligned goals, high trust, and a continuous focus on culture. When these elements come together, teams move beyond functioning – they thrive.
UPCOMING EVENTS
🚀 March Deliberate Leader Masterclass: Tune In and Check Your Blind Spots – Unlocking the Power of Self-Awareness
DETAILS
🗓 17 March 2025
🕛 12 – 1 pm AEDT
📍 ZOOM
🚀 World Of Work Lunch (Exclusive for HR Leaders Only)
DETAILS
🗓 20 March 2025
🕛 12 – 2:30 pm AEDT
📍 Tokyo Tina Restaurant
66A Chapel St, Windsor VIC
💲 $150/person
🚀 What sort of leader are you? Take our FREE Self-Assessment Here.
🚀 Have you got your 2025 development agenda locked in? Need to bounce it to get clarity? Here to help. Book a call Here
Ways to work with me:
💬 One-on-one coaching
🎯 Leadership development and training
🎤 Book me as a Speaker or MC for your next event
