4 Simple Tips to Create a Higher Performing Team (and a Happier Culture)

Within SnackNation's management team, we believe that as leaders and managers of people we have a great responsibility (and honor) to serve those we lead, which above all means helping them lead richer, more productive, and better lives.

Here are some simple reminders and tips on how we think about making this happen.

What do people desire more than anything else from another human being? Trust.

Do you truly have the trust of the people you lead? Have you shown them actions that let them know "ok, I can trust this person, they actually are looking out for me, even when I make mistakes"?

Think of how you could show people that you can be trusted. This can be as simple as showing them you care about them personally, and always checking in on their personal lives and goals, even when (scratch that, especially when) they seem to be ignoring important parts of their personal lives.

Or it can simply be standing-up for them at work and ensuring that their viewpoints get heard. Trust isn't something that is built overnight, but if it's continually on your mind, you'll likely be on your way to building a more trustworthy environment.

And in an atmosphere of uber-trust, few things are impossible.

Remember, you're more important to your team members happiness and success than the company at large.

Study after study shows this - one of the top determinants of happiness at work is someone's relationship with their boss and manager. Do you have a deep relationship with each person you lead?

Do you know about the aspirations of each individual (even those completely unrelated to their current role or our company) and continually follow-up with them about these?

Do you connect with them purely for the sake of connecting with no business objective in mind?

It's not just about driving performance, it's about creating a bond with your team where they know you care about them and where you encourage them to be themselves. And note that even Drucker said that the most important thing for high performers is for them to be 100% of themselves.

Forgiveness is a beautiful thing - up to a point.

Few things build trust faster that forgiving someone. This is especially true when you give someone the benefit of the doubt even when they're not giving it to themselves. And this is especially true when first developing a relationship with someone.

Don't be a crazy tyrant that looks down on your team when they make mistakes. Forgive them and show them a better way.

But also don't be a chump. Let people know you realize they're human, and realize that making mistakes and some bad decisions is a part of growing-up. But also let them know that you're not going to be taken advantage of...you're a compassionate person after all, not a fool.

And this brings me to my last point.

You promote what you tolerate.

Everything in life is connected. So remember, what you tolerate with one person on your team, is recognized by everyone else, even if you and they don't initially realize it.

When it comes to standards, do not play favorites. Don't let some people get away with more than others. Tolerating behavior that goes against what you teach and advise is the surest way to get people to ignore what you're saying and lose trust in your leadership.

So think today, what are you tolerating that is not up to your standards? Nip it in the bud and you'll see your team come together in a more cohesive manner, leading to much greater performance.