Building High Performing Teams as People Leadership Evolves

Keys to Building High Performing Teams and Work "Family" Culture

In the Think Big! book on leadership and Entreprenurism, the notion of a new way of leading in this post-Covid era was floated in the chapter I co-authored (the book was launched on Amazon in May 2022).

The skills shortage and the Great Resignation post lockdowns has molded and shaped the culture, leadership style and how many organisations work now. Most companies now realise that leadership has changed. Former micro-manager leaders now know that they need to provide trust and flexibility to keep good team members, and they need to meet the market's expectations of culture and for-purpose values.

Authentic, compassionate, servant-hearted leadership with genuine empathy is required.

Many of the participants in our monthly Authentic Leadership Group meetings talk about their goal of finding the right team, the right culture and the right authentic leader to work with. The ones who have found their dream job usually rave about how happy they are with their role and their work family, encouraging others to keep looking until they find what they need. Tables are turning, as employees see more opportunities for their transferable skills.

Organisations are facing up to the fact that leadership is changing - people want the kind of authenticity and candor at work that they enjoyed in virtual meetings during lockdowns. They also want to be trusted to do their best work, whether that's during business hours onsite or from their home office.

Virtual leaders are getting skilled at collaborating well with team members in high performing agile and digital teams. If you ask team leaders about what factors and qualities must be present in high performing teams, you'll get a few answers.

Below are some tips for team and virtual people leaders wanting to build a higher performing team, one where people are celebrated and heard.

High performing teams share several key qualities, including clear communication, shared goals, mutual trust, accountability, and effective collaboration.

These qualities contribute to a positive team culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and productivity. Hybrid or fully remote flexible working is now a new norm, as is adapting workplace settings to this future way of working.

So how can you build a high-performing team?

Here are some tips to help make teams better:

1. Set clear goals and expectations: Teams perform best when everyone is working toward a common goal. Clearly communicate the objectives, timelines, and expectations for each team member.
2. Encourage open communication: Communication is key to effective collaboration. Encourage team members to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to discussions and decision-making.

3. Build trust: Trust is essential for teamwork. Foster trust by being transparent, honest, and respectful with team members. Celebrate successes, and acknowledge mistakes and learn from them.

4. Foster accountability: Hold team members accountable for their actions, and ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities. This helps to create a sense of ownership and commitment to the team's goals.

5. Create a positive team culture: A positive team culture can inspire and motivate team members. Encourage teamwork, creativity, and innovation by celebrating achievements, recognizing contributions, and promoting a collaborative environment.

6. Provide feedback: Regular feedback can help team members understand their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. Provide constructive feedback, and encourage team members to support one another in their professional growth.

7. Invest in team building: Invest in team building activities that help team members get to know each other, build relationships, and improve communication. This can include social events, team-building exercises, and training programs.

By implementing these tips, you can create a high-performing team that is motivated, productive, and committed to achieving its goals.