Paul McDevitt describes ten ways a company can ensure its team performs at its best.
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, building and nurturing a high-performing team is critical to organizational success. A high-performing team not only achieves its goals efficiently, but also fosters innovation, collaboration, and a positive work environment.
That sentence alone will come as no surprise to you that very few leaders succeed in building and maintaining a high-performing team. In my thirty-plus years in business, I have been extremely fortunate to be a member of a high-performing team, and I have also had the privilege of building and leading another team.
As the latest Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report 2024 shows, only 23% of employees worldwide were engaged, which is a shockingly low number. Given this reality, it’s no wonder that high performance is just a pipe dream for most business leaders.
So how should a business leader go about building a high-performing team? To create this dream team, business leaders need to focus on the following aspects, including team composition, communication, leadership style, shared goals, and continuous development. Here are some recommended strategies for building a high-performing team in your organization:
- Clear vision and common goals: A high-performing team starts with a clear vision and clearly defined goals. Each team member must fully understand the team’s purpose, goals, and overall mission. Clear goals help individual members understand their roles and responsibilities, empower them to take ownership, and make it easier to track progress and measure success. When team members share a common goal, it creates a sense of alignment and a collective drive to achieve results.
- Effective communication: Open and transparent communication across the company is the cornerstone of a high-performing team. Regularly sharing information, updates, and feedback ensures everyone is on the same page and pulling in the same direction. Encouraging active listening—something most of us aren’t good at—and giving team members a platform to voice their ideas, concerns, and suggestions fosters a culture of collaboration and respect. Effective communication prevents misunderstandings, reduces conflict, and allows the team to adapt quickly to change.
- Diverse skills and roles: A high-performing team is made up of individuals with diverse skills and expertise who complement each other. When team members bring different strengths and perspectives to the table, it encourages problem-solving and creativity. Assigning roles based on individual strengths and expertise allows each member to contribute effectively and feel valued for their unique contributions. All too often, teams lack this diversity because most have common backgrounds, skills, and experiences, which can lead to “groupthink.”
- Supportive leadership: Leaders play a critical role in shaping the culture and performance of the team. A supportive and empowering leadership style promotes autonomy, responsibility, and trust within the team. Leaders should provide guidance and resources while allowing team members the freedom to make decisions and take responsibility for their work. Authentic and empathetic leaders who understand the needs and aspirations of their team members create an environment where everyone can succeed.
- Continuous learning and development: To maintain high performance, it is essential to invest in the growth and development of team members. Providing opportunities for training, skill enhancement and career advancement not only improves individual skills but also contributes to the overall competency of the team. A commitment to continuous learning ensures the team remains adaptable in a rapidly changing business landscape.
- Recognition and reward of outstanding achievements: Recognizing and celebrating successes increases team morale and motivation. Recognizing individual and collective achievements, whether through formal awards or simple expressions of gratitude, reinforces a culture of excellence. When team members feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to maintain their commitment and continue to strive for exceptional performance.
- Constructive feedback and growth mindset: Feedback is a powerful tool for improvement and growth. Fostering a growth mindset means viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than failures. Regular feedback sessions should focus on both positive successes and areas for development. Creating a safe environment where team members can give and receive feedback fosters mutual respect and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Joint decision-making: Involve team members in the decision-making process, especially when the decisions directly affect their work. Shared decision-making not only leads to better solutions, but it also empowers team members and fosters a sense of ownership. When individuals feel that their opinions are important and valued, they are more likely to be committed to the team’s success.
- Flexibility and adaptability: The business landscape is constantly evolving and high-performing teams are agile and adaptable. Foster a culture of flexibility that welcomes change and innovation. Team members should feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone and exploring new approaches to solving problems. A willingness to adapt to new challenges and opportunities is essential to maintaining peak performance.
- Work-life balance and well-being: A high-performing team is not only defined by work-related achievements; it also values the well-being of its members. Leaders must recognize the importance of a good work-life balance and create an environment where team members can recharge and maintain their physical and mental health. Promoting well-being leads to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity and less burnout.
The above list is not exhaustive, however, each of the above aspects must be considered and balanced. Too much focus on one or two aspects will negatively impact the team environment and team dynamics. Creating a high-performing team in the workplace requires a combination of strategic planning, effective communication, leadership support and commitment, and a focus on individual and collective growth.
By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that values diversity, encourages innovation, and cultivates a strong sense of purpose, companies can build teams that consistently exceed expectations and achieve success. Building a high-performing team takes time, effort, and ongoing commitment, but the rewards in the form of improved performance, employee satisfaction, and organizational success are well worth the investment.
- Paul McDevitt is Managing Director of McDevitt & Co
