What are the Characteristics of High Performing Teams that sets them apart?

The 7 Characteristics are:

• Strong Leadership: This involves guiding and energizing team members towards a shared objective.
• Clear Communication: This involves clearly communication expectations, regular communication channels, and actively listening to team members’ inputs.
• Trust and Collaboration: This fosters creativity, innovation, and a sense of belonging among team members. This involves leading by example, practicing transparency, honesty and maintaining open communication.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Here leaders should create a diverse and inclusive team environment by providing for an inclusive hiring process, diversity and inclusion training, and open communication.
• Accountability: Here the team holds itself and others responsible for their actions and decisions. This ensures that each team member contributes effectively towards the collective objectives. Here the leader must set clear expectations for individual roles and responsibilities, establishing regular check-ins to monitor progress, and encourage peer-to-peer accountability with mutual support and responsibility.
• Continuous Learning and Improvement: Leaders should provide regular training and development opportunities, encourage feedback and experimentation without fear or failure. Encouragement of a ‘learning culture’ is key here.
• Results-Orientated Approach: This ensures that all team members are aligned towards a common goal which fosters a culture of achievement. Goals should be both ambitious and attainable. The leader should establish a feedback culture to monitor progress and identify areas of improvement and importantly provide recognition for individual and team achievement.

Creating a high-performing team takes time, effort, and commitment from both leaders and team members. However, the rewards of cultivating such a team are significant, as they translate into success, a positive workplace culture, and a solid foundation for long-term growth. By developing these seven core characteristics of high performing teams, organisations can effectively tackle challenges, capitalise on opportunities, and achieve their desired outcomes.