Recently I was briefed by a leader planning a team development day for her leadership team. Her goal? To help them understand their working styles, engage and influence stakeholders more effectively, and lead with empathy. 

What stood out in our conversation was her recognition that her team is fully capable of doing the work – but what they need is development as people. More self-awareness, more empathy, less individual focus, and a stronger collective effort. She understands that technical expertise alone won’t achieve the results she’s aiming for. 

High-performing teams don’t just do the work—they work deliberately, with clarity, cohesion, and a shared approach to success. 

If your team is technically skilled but struggles with collaboration, stakeholder influence, or internal dynamics, ask yourself: Do we have the right team dynamic in place? 

The Deliberate Team Dynamic 

A deliberate team dynamic ensures: 

✅ People know how to work together – Every team member has a unique working style, preferences, and triggers. Understanding and adapting to these differences strengthens collaboration and reduces friction. 

✅ Stakeholder engagement is intentional – Influence doesn’t happen by accident. Teams need a clear approach to engaging stakeholders – including you, as their leader – so they can shape decisions instead of just reacting to them. 

✅ Decisions and execution are purposeful – The best technical solutions will fall flat if the team isn’t aligned on communication, challenging ideas, and driving initiatives forward. A deliberate team makes conscious choices about how they work, not just what they work on. 

How to Build a More Deliberate Team 

1️⃣ Create shared understanding – Use tools like Clarity 4D, HBDI, or simple team conversations to explore working styles. The goal isn’t to change people but to foster awareness and adaptability. 

2️⃣ Set team norms (a.k.a Your Team Principles) – Define how your team communicates, makes decisions, and escalates issues. Make stakeholder influence a team capability, not just an individual skill. 

3️⃣ Embed feedback and reflection – High-performing teams don’t just execute; they give feedback, reflect, and refine. Build time into your work rhythms to discuss how you’re working, not just what you’re working on. 

The Deliberate Leader’s Role 

Your role as a leader isn’t just to get the work done – it’s to shape how the team works together. By fostering a deliberate team dynamic, you’re not only driving performance but also building a foundation for sustainable success. 

Technical skill is essential, but team dynamics make the difference. The best teams aren’t just competent – they’re deliberate. 

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

1. 5 Minutes in Feb

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2. Deliberate Leader Masterclass
   

   👉🏻Permission to Innovate: Empowering Teams to Think and Create

   Event Details:

   Date: Monday, 17 February 2025
   Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm AEDT
   Location: Zoom

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