Five key areas to consider when assembling a high-performance team

High-performing teams play a vital role in achieving success and maintaining a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. However, assembling such teams is not a simple task. Based on my experiences in sports and the corporate world, I have found that building the foundation for a high-performance team that fosters growth and attains exceptional outcomes can be accomplished by prioritizing five key areas.

First, create an emotional safe space. A team that has a strong emotional safety foundation, where members are comfortable being vulnerable, and where the overall relationship with failure is positive, will be willing to admit their mistakes and weaknesses, as well as have a positive attitude towards learning and growth.

The second area is a low cost of candour. A healthy attitude towards conflict is one in which team members are willing to challenge one another's ideas, opinions, and provide constructive feedback. With the goal of individuals and teams arriving at the best possible solution and each individual's best version. It is extremely difficult to gain understanding and alignment in a high performance environment without conflict. If we start by creating an emotionally safe space, team members will believe they can disagree and disagree constructively.

Think beyond engagement in the third area. Engagement is insufficient. We require fully committed team members. A committed team is one in which team members are fully invested in the success of the team and its individuals and are willing to make sacrifices to achieve these goals. Commitment is a choice that requires deep levels of conscientiousness and personal responsibility rather than engagement.

Normalized pressure is the fourth. A high-functioning team is one that holds itself accountable. An accountable team is one in which team members hold each other accountable for their actions, behaviours, and outcomes, and take personal responsibility for their work. Accountability breeds stress and tension in the workplace. And pressure is a normal part of success and high-performing teams. Because pressure causes discomfort, people's feelings rarely align with the requirements of a high-functioning team. This is why engagement in a high-performance environment is insufficient, because it focuses on individual feelings rather than commitments. Pressure is an expected part of team success. The greatest reward for an individual at work is overcoming periods of discomfort in order to deliver on team accountability.

Fifth, a focus on outcomes. A results-oriented team is one in which team members prioritise team goals and objectives over individual goals and collaborate to ensure team success. Individual achievement that is aligned with team goals and business success is used to map individual contribution.

Developing a high-performance team necessitates a focus on emotional safety, healthy conflict resolution, commitment, accountability, and a results-oriented mindset. Teams can develop the necessary habits and attitudes to achieve their goals and succeed together by prioritising these five areas.

High performing teams bring about significant benefits such as increased productivity, better decision-making, improved communication, and enhanced employee satisfaction. With the right leadership and investment in employee development, organisations can build high performing teams that will drive success and growth for years to come.

So, how do you go about developing leaders that build high perfuming teams in your origination?