8 Steps for Attracting & Retaining a High-Performing Team for 2024

By Andrew Cooke, Growth & Profit Solutions

“A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other= - Simon Sinek

Having a high-performing team isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have. But how do you turn a group of individuals into a cohesive, unstoppable force? To be able to do this you need to have six key elements in place:

Step 1: Cultivate a Learning Culture

First things first, embrace learning. This isn’t about sending everyone off to week-long seminars. It's about creating an environment where learning from each other, and even from mistakes, is part of the daily grind. Encourage your team to share skills, try cross-training, or set up a simple mentorship program. Keep it casual, keep it regular.

Step 2: Communication is Key

Ever heard the saying, “a team that talks together, thrives together”? Okay, I might have just made that up, but it’s true! Encourage open communication. This means regular check-ins, but also creating a safe space where your team can voice their ideas and concerns. Remember, great ideas can come from anywhere.

Step 3: Set Clear Goals

Clarity is your best friend. Set clear, achievable goals. This isn’t about lofty, vague ambitions. Break down your big goals into smaller tasks and make sure everyone knows what they’re gunning for. When your team knows exactly what success looks like, they’re more likely to hit the target.

Step 4: Recognize and Reward

People need to feel valued. Recognition isn’t just about the big wins; it’s about acknowledging the small victories too. A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. And hey, why not mix it up with some fun rewards? Think outside the box – maybe an extra day off, a team lunch, or even public kudos in a team meeting.

Step 5: Provide the Right Tools

This is a no-brainer. Equip your team with the tools they need to succeed. This could be as simple as updating software, providing better project management tools, or even just ensuring they have a comfortable working environment. Happy team, productive team.

Step 6: Develop Their Skills

To raise performance you need to unlearn, learn, and relearn. Smarter teams re more efficient, effective, productive, and profitable. Skill your people up with not just the technical skills, but the communication, soft skills, and leadership skills so they can succeed.

Step 7: Lead by Example

Lastly, be the leader they need. This isn’t about being a superhero. It’s about showing up, being present, and leading by example. Your attitude and actions set the tone for the entire team. Be the motivator, the listener, and the guide.

Step 8: Know Who You Need

Teams are not just about the jobs that are done, but how the jobs are done. You need the right blend of people, with the right attitude, and the right fit. Remember, we may hire for aptitude, but we fire for attitude. So, look at your team as a whole – what are their strengths and weaknesses, and who do you need to bring on to provide balance and boost.

Remember, building a high-performing team isn’t an overnight miracle. It’s a journey. But with these simple, actionable steps, you’re well on your way to creating a team that’s not just good, but great.

Next Steps:

Before you can grow and develop your team, you need to assess how they are doing now, what their strengths are, and how they can improve. Click here to access our Team Attraction and Retention Diagnostic and receive a customised report detailing your strengths and areas for improvement in doing so. It only takes a few minutes.

Let's turn your team into your business’s superpower. The time to start is now!

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Andrew Cooke, Growth & Profit Solutions. m: +61 (0)401 842 673 e: [email protected] w: https://www.growthandprofit.coach