3 Cheat Codes for Unlocking the Secrets to High-Performing Teams
What sets high-performing teams apart from the rest? Is it their individual skills and experience? Or simply good luck?
There is no singular answer to this question. However, there are cheat codes to help you unlock the secrets to building a successful team. In this article, we will explore three key factors that separate high-performing teams from their less successful counterparts. We’ll examine the core elements that make up a winning team, from effective communication to a strong sense of purpose.
“Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, because it is both so powerful and so rare.” — Simon Sinek
Whether you’re a team leader looking to improve your group’s performance or an individual contributor seeking to excel in a collaborative environment, these cheat codes are sure to give you the edge you need to succeed and level up your career. So let’s dive in and discover the secrets to unlocking the full potential of your team!
What are the characteristics of a high-performing team?
High-performing teams are those that consistently deliver exceptional results. They are teams that work together seamlessly toward a common goal, with each member contributing their unique skills and strengths.
“When there is trust, conflict becomes nothing but the pursuit of truth, an attempt to find the best possible answer.” — Patrick Lencioni
Overall, high-performing teams have a shared sense of purpose and a clear understanding of their goals; they are driven by a common mission; and they have open lines of communication characterized by honesty, transparency, and respect, allowing for clear communication and psychological safety.
Keep scrolling to continue the quest chain and learn more about the impact of high-performing teams and how you can set your teams up for success.
The impact of high-performing teams on business success
According to a recent study by Gallup on high-performing teams, organizations that scored the highest also showed 21% higher levels of profitability.
The impact of high-performing teams on business success cannot be overstated. Companies that have high-performing teams are more likely to achieve their goals and objectives, stay ahead of their competition, and generate higher profits. High-performing teams are also more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work, which leads to increased job satisfaction and employee retention.
Three cheat codes for building high-performing teams
Just like taking out C’Thun in WoW or the Nameless King in Dark Souls 3, building a high-performing team is not easy, but it can be done with preparation and effort.
Here are three key factors to building a winning team:
1. Clear communication and shared goals
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful team. Without clear lines of communication, misunderstandings can occur, tasks can be duplicated, and goals can be missed. High-performing teams have open lines of communication, with members sharing their ideas and opinions freely, without fear of recourse.
To build a team that communicates effectively and has a shared sense of purpose, it is important to:
- Set clear goals and objectives
- Establish open lines of communication
- Encourage feedback and discussion
- Celebrate successes and learn from failures
2. Trust and psychological safety
Trust is essential to building a high-performing team. In a study on psychological safety at work, 85% of respondents reported at least one occasion where they did not speak up for fear of reprisal, even though it was an important topic. Fear of conflict is almost always a sign of problems.
- Lead by example and give people the freedom to fail forward
- Encourage vulnerability and openness
- Create a safe and inclusive environment
- Encourage collaboration and teamwork
3. Encouraging collaboration and accountability
Team members must trust one another to do their jobs well and have each other’s backs when things get tough. Trust also creates a sense of psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions without fear of judgment or reprisal.
- Foster a culture of collaboration
- Encourage cross-functional teams
- Set clear expectations and goals
- Celebrate successes and learn from failures
Applying cheat codes to your team-building efforts
To build a team that has trust and psychological safety, it is important to:
- Set clear goals and objectives: Make sure everyone on the team knows what they are working toward and why. Bring the team together to ensure that collective goals and objectives are known and visible.
- Establish open lines of communication: Encourage everyone on the team to share their ideas and opinions, and make sure everyone feels heard. Provide creative outlets and communication loops for colleagues to share with each other and with leadership without fear of reprisal.
- Foster a culture of trust and psychological safety: Lead by example to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This is easier said than done, especially if historical bias exists where the environment has not been safe.
- Start small: allow for opportunities to lead by example and convey stories and experiences of failure. Some of the most inspiring leaders are those who are transparent with their failures.
- Encourage collaboration and accountability: Create opportunities for team members to work together, and hold everyone accountable for their actions and decisions. This could be small projects or team-building exercises.
“Teamwork is not a virtue. It is a choice — and a strategic one.” — Patrick Lencioni
Collaboration and accountability are essential to building a high-performing team. Team members must work together, share their knowledge and expertise, and hold each other accountable for their actions and decisions. Collaboration and accountability lead to better results and create a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility.
Building a high-performing team is challenging, but these cheat codes can make it easier. Real life doesn’t let us press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, but by focusing on clear communication, trust, psychological safety, collaboration, and accountability, you can unlock the full potential of your team and achieve exceptional results.
Remember to set clear goals and objectives, establish open lines of communication, foster a culture of trust and psychological safety, encourage collaboration and accountability, and celebrate team performance and success. With these cheat codes in hand, you’ll be well on your way to building a winning team that delivers exceptional results.
Slalom is a global consulting firm that helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Learn more and reach out today.
A version of this blog post was originally published on LinkedIn.
