A high-performing team is unlike any regular team. It is comprised of highly talented and motivated individuals with common goals. Such a team helps their company achieve excellence and growth.

However, each person has a different set of principles and beliefs which could probably taint the team harmony. While it is true, thorough planning and execution of business strategies would help overlook the differences.

According to Dr. Tim Baker, there are at least 8 characteristics of high-performing leadership and team development.

Here is the model of a high-performing team:

Sense of Purpose

Individuals with a sense of purpose have clearly defined their mission and goals since the beginning. These people have set their eyes on the priorities and are driven with a strong focus on results and solutions.

Open Communication

One of the most important characteristics of a high-performing team is open communication. Members who are not afraid to express their ideas and thoughts, as well as listen to what others have to say, are indeed professionals.

Trust and Mutual Respect

Respect and trust are two words that correlate with each other. In a professional setting, a leader and its followers do exist. As part of a team, both should learn how to trust and respect each other.

Shared Leadership

An effective leader asks for ideas and suggestions from their members. They value their team’s insights and are not autocratic. This kind of leader understands the key role of their members.

Effective Working Procedures

Aside from being highly-skilled, effective team leaders are also resourceful. They don’t stop at “good” but rather aim for the “best”, every chance they get. They encourage creativity and find the most outstanding way to achieve their goal.

Building on Differences

Efficient leaders don’t look at differences as drawbacks of an individual. Instead, they use it as a weapon to create alternatives and other approaches that may be useful in different situations.

Flexibility and Adaptability

A high-performing team consists of adaptable and agile individuals. Variables like a fast-paced working environment don’t share these kinds of people for they can easily adjust to any given situation.

Continuous Learning

The hunger for discoveries and newly acquired knowledge is the last characteristic of a high-performing team. Their desire to learn everything that they can or what might help improve their craft is an essential matter.

People with characteristics as listed above are such great assets to the company. Not only can they guarantee an increase in sales, but also boosts employee morale.

Coming out of the pandemic, the focus in most companies is increasing revenues and performance. We long to have a high-performing team where we are on track with our goals, engaged, people are motivated, and committed to the work. Is this possible in your company, team?

Start by getting a picture of your current state and where you want to be is a good first step. Next assess the changes needed. Do you have the right people? Are they coachable? How many of the characteristics of a high-performing team are present right now?

You will see progress by starting with just one or two until you have the team you want. Let me know if you would like to discuss your team goals this year 2021 and message me. I’d love to hear more about what you are working towards.